The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, continues to be a stage for Indian excellence as two of India’s finest, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy and International Master Divya Deshmukh, booked their places in the pre-quarterfinals. With resilient play and strategic mastery, both women inch closer to potential qualification for the Candidates Tournament—one step away from chess’s highest honors.
India’s Double Delight: Humpy and Divya Advance
Commanding Performances That Made the Difference
Indian chess fans were given reason to celebrate over the weekend as both Humpy and Divya wrapped up their respective matches in convincing style:
Koneru Humpy, India’s first female Grandmaster, played the black pieces against Poland’s Klaudia Kulon. Seizing a position of advantage with her bishop pair, Humpy capitalized on a critical error by Kulon on the 32nd move. The experienced Indian never let go and secured victory in 44 moves to reach the final 16.
Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old prodigy from Nagpur, faced Serbia’s European champion Teodora Injac. After winning the first game, Divya ensured a hassle-free ticket to the next round with a composed 30-move draw, demonstrating her calm and calculated style.
The Impact on the Tournament
Their progression means that India has multiple representatives in the later stages, keeping the country’s flag flying high in a cutthroat global field. The significance is higher than ever—top finishers here earn coveted spots in next year’s Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Championship.
The Road Ahead: Next Opponents and What’s at Stake
Koneru Humpy will next face the winner of the tiebreak between former world champion Alexandra Kosteniuk and Georgia’s Meri Arabidze—a matchup promising both challenge and intrigue.
Divya Deshmukh prepares for her toughest opponent yet: rising Chinese star GM Jiner Zhu, setting the stage for a clash brimming with promise and anticipation.
Key Highlights from the Indian Contingent
Vantika Agrawal came heartbreakingly close but will try her luck in the tiebreaks after falling short against Kateryna Lagno.
Harika Dronavalli and Vaishali Rameshbabu are also set to fight in tiebreak contests to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
What Sets Humpy and Divya Apart
Experience vs. Youth: Humpy’s strategic understanding and endgame finesse have been honed over decades, while Divya’s fearless, modern approach exemplifies India’s next generation.
Mental Resilience: Both handled their must-win games without nerves, converting minuscule advantages into match wins or safe qualification.
Consistent Track Record: Humpy, a World Cup veteran with multiple major titles, joins the breakthrough star Divya, who is now among the youngest to reach this stage.
Why This World Cup Matters
The FIDE Women’s World Cup isn’t just about personal milestones. For the players, it’s a crucial pathway to the Candidates—a tournament that decides the challenger for the Women’s World Championship. With the world’s best battling for limited spots, every match has monumental stakes.
Standout Moments of This Round
- Humpy’s 44-move masterclass winning with black, using the bishop pair for dominance
- Divya’s nerveless, strategic draw after an initial win, refusing to get tempted by over-ambitious play, and calmly qualifying
FAQs – FIDE Women’s World Cup: Humpy and Divya in Pre-Quarters
1. Who did Koneru Humpy defeat to reach the pre-quarters?
Koneru Humpy defeated Klaudia Kulon of Poland, capitalizing on a critical mistake and winning in 44 moves to move into the final 16.
2. How did Divya Deshmukh perform in her third-round match?
Divya Deshmukh won her first game against Teodora Injac (Serbia) and drew the second, advancing to the pre-quarterfinals with solid play.
3. Whom will Humpy and Divya face next?
Humpy will play either Alexandra Kosteniuk or Meri Arabidze.
Divya faces Jiner Zhu, a strong Grandmaster from China.
4. What does reaching the pre-quarters mean for their Candidates chances?
Reaching the last 16 keeps both Humpy and Divya in the race for a Candidates spot, which requires a top finish at the World Cup.
5. Who else from India remains in contention?
Besides Humpy and Divya, Harika Dronavalli and Vaishali Rameshbabu are still competing and will play tie-breaks for a pre-quarters berth.
Conclusion
Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh’s composed victories in Batumi showcase both the enduring legacy and roaring future of Indian chess on the world stage. As the FIDE Women’s World Cup approaches its business end, Indian fans have every reason to dream: could this be the year India sends multiple qualifiers to the Candidates? With grit, class, and a hint of Indian magic, Humpy and Divya have put themselves firmly in the spotlight—and their best may be yet to come.
