Divya Deshmukh Shocks World Champion at Norway Chess 2026
A Stunning Upset in Chess
Divya Deshmukh has been making waves at the renowned Norway Chess 2026 event. In a remarkable turn of events, the young Grandmaster managed to hold reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun to a draw in the classical game before triumphing in a tense Armageddon tiebreaker. In an exclusive interview with Sports Now, Deshmukh shared her thoughts on defeating the world champion, her plans for the remainder of the tournament, and her comfort with being underestimated.
Thriving in High-Pressure Situations
Embracing The Sudden-Death Chaos
The tournament's structure, which includes classical games without increments and mandatory Armageddon tiebreaks for draws, has surprisingly delighted Deshmukh. "I didn't expect to enjoy this format, but the sudden-death aspect makes it thrilling, especially without the luxury of 30 seconds to think," she explained. Reflecting on her recent games, she noted a significant difference in her performance. "Yesterday, I struggled in the classical game, so drawing was a relief. Today, I felt it was balanced and manageable," she added.
The Power of the Confessional Booth
The Confessional Booth Advantage
DIVYA DESHMUKH BEATS WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION JU WENJUN 💥After a draw in the classical game, Divya won the Armageddon with the black pieces and now has 1.5 points after Round 1! #NorwayChess pic.twitter.com/IRUZdbO4Ne
— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) May 25, 2026
Since its introduction at Norway Chess in 2015, the confessional booth has allowed players to step away from the board and share their thoughts and emotions with the audience without their opponents hearing. While older players have been hesitant to use it, Deshmukh has embraced this feature. She believes it helps her focus better during intense matches. "Talking about my thoughts helps me clarify my calculations," she noted.
Defying Expectations
Defying The Algorithms
Before the tournament, statistical models predicted Deshmukh had only a 7% chance of winning. When asked about these odds, she remained unfazed. "I don’t mind. Even when I won the World Cup, I wasn’t the favorite, so their opinions don’t affect me," she asserted.
Focus on Recovery
Rest, Recovery, And Dry Mangoes
Outside of her matches, Divya Deshmukh is keeping her preparation straightforward. As she navigates the demands of the tournament, her priority is recovery. "I’m looking forward to resting, sleeping, and enjoying some dry mangoes," she said with a smile. While she enjoys traveling to Norway, she emphasizes the importance of rest during her downtime. "Traveling isn’t new to me, but I prioritize rest and healthy eating," she concluded.