Divya Deshmukh Wins Women's World Cup Chess Title
With her victory, Deshmukh has become a trailblazer for women in chess, beating two of the three other Indian women GMs, Koneru Humpy and Harika, on her way to achieving GM status, and cementing her place as one of the country's top players.
Divya Deshmukh, a 19-year-old Indian chess player, has made history by becoming the country's first-ever Women's World Cup champion, defeating Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a rapid tie-break at Batumi, Georgia. The intense final game saw both players trading blunders and brilliance, but Humpy ultimately cracked under time pressure on move 40, securing Deshmukh's victory.
Deshmukh's journey to the top was marked by a series of challenging matches against top players, including Zhu Jiner, Harika, and Tan Zhongyi. Despite being a relatively new face in the chess world, she emerged victorious in each match, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination. Her win also earned her the title of Grandmaster, making her India's 88th GM and only the fourth woman to achieve this status.
The tournament also saw a unique aspect of Deshmukh's gameplay - an untouched banana that remained her constant companion throughout the tournament, sparking curiosity and amusement among spectators. Deshmukh's remarkable rise to fame has been swift, considering she was not even featured on the official website pre-tournament and had not achieved a Grandmaster norm yet.
Deshmukh's historic win marks a new era for Indian chess, and her achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. As she joins the ranks of India's top chess players, she is sure to inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.