Divya Deshmukh crowned FIDE Women’s World Cup Champion, becomes India’s 4th female grandmaster

*In a stunning generational clash, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh defeated chess legend Koneru Humpy via tiebreaks to claim the prestigious title. The Nagpur prodigy, currently ranked world no.18 among women, overcame her underdog status against the 5th-ranked Humpy in a dramatic final that saw her convert a crucial blunder into victory.

Batumi: Following 24 days of grueling competition in Batumi, Georgia, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by claiming the FIDE Women's World Cup. Divya made this happen by beating India's first female grandmaster and experienced player, Koneru Humpy, through a tie-break. Divya has also become eligible to become India's fourth female grandmaster with this victory.

The game was a clash between two generations—one being 19-year-old young sensation Divya, and the other being 38-year-old seasoned pro Humpy, who had become a Grandmaster at the age of 15. Divya won the first game of the final by capitalizing on an error on Humpy's part in the second tie-break game. Following the win, emotional Divya said, "It was fate. I had thought before the tournament that maybe I would be able to achieve the Grandmaster norm here, but ultimately I became a Grandmaster."

This is a great achievement because after Humpy, only two Indian women have been declared grandmasters. Divya has entered this prestigious list. At the end of the first classical game of the match, Divya was in a good position to win, but mistakes at the crucial end made it end in a draw. Divya termed the draw "like defeat," while Humpy also said that after the 12th move, Divya was completely in control of the match.

This feat is even more remarkable for Divya since she is now an International Master and was declared an underdog against Humpy (the World Rapid Champion) in the rapid event. Humpy is currently ranked 5th on the FIDE rankings, whereas Divya is ranked 18th.

This victory of Divya is a follow-up to her sterling performance—last year she was crowned the World Junior Champion, and now she is struggling for the second most coveted title in women's chess. Her sterling performance also helped the Indian women's team win a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad, which was hosted in Budapest.

This win is not only a milestone for Divya's career but also for Indian women's chess. It proves that the new generation of Indian talent is now set to rule at the international level. Divya's triumph is inspiring young chess talent and promises a rosy future for Indian chess.