Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh Set for Tiebreaker in FIDE Women’s World Cup

In a thrilling showdown at the FIDE Women’s World Cup, Indian chess stars Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh ended their second round in a draw. They are now set for a decisive tiebreaker, which will take place on July 28. This championship marks a significant milestone for Indian chess, as it could lead to the country's first world title in women's chess. Both players have shown exceptional skill, defeating their Chinese opponents to reach this final stage. The anticipation builds as fans await the outcome of this historic match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2025, 02:00 IST

Exciting Tiebreaker Ahead for Indian Chess Stars

Batumi [Georgia], July 27: The second round of the FIDE Women’s World Cup concluded with a draw, as India’s chess prodigies, Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh, fought to a stalemate. The match ended with a score of 1/2 – 1/2.

Both players are now set to face off in a decisive tiebreaker scheduled for Monday, July 28, at 12:00 local time.

In the opening game of the FIDE Women’s World Cup final, Humpy and Deshmukh showcased their skills, ultimately resulting in a hard-fought draw with the same score of 1/2 – 1/2.

Koneru Humpy, a veteran in the chess arena and one of India’s all-time greats, displayed her trademark composure and resilience. At 38, she has mastered the art of navigating lengthy, high-pressure matches. In contrast, 18-year-old Divya Deshmukh, known for her aggressive style and youthful exuberance, has quickly emerged as a formidable force in the chess community.

Regardless of the outcome, this championship will mark a historic moment for Indian chess, as it will be the nation’s first world title in women’s chess.

Both players reached the final after defeating their respective Chinese rivals. Deshmukh triumphed over Tan Zhongyi with a score of 1.5-0.5 in the semifinals, while Humpy secured her place by overcoming Lei Tingjie with a 5-3 victory.

In their semifinal encounters, both Humpy and Deshmukh had their initial games end in draws, with scores of 0.5-0.5.

In the bronze medal match, China’s Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious against her compatriot Lei Tingjie, winning 1-0.