DIVYA DESHMUKH BECOMES FIRST INDIAN TO REACH FIDE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FINAL

India’s rising chess sensation IM Divya Deshmukh created history by defeating former world champion GM Tan Zhongyi to secure a place in the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian woman to do so and earning her first GM norm in the process.

The 19-year-old, playing with the white pieces on the day, displayed remarkable composure and tactical precision to outclass her higher-ranked Chinese opponent, becoming the youngest Indian woman to reach the title clash of this prestigious tournament. World no. 18 Divya, who had drawn her first semifinal game with black pieces, capitalised on the advantage of playing with white in the second game.

Learn More