India's 19-year-old chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh stuns former World Champion Tan Zhongyi to become the first Indian finalist in the FIDE Women’s World Cup
India’s Divya Deshmukh pulled off the biggest victory of her young career on Wednesday by defeating China’s former World Champion Tan Zhongyi, in the semifinal of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia. With this stunning win, Divya, just 19 years old, became the first Indian ever to reach the final of this elite tournament, also securing a coveted spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament—the final stage before the World Championship.
Beating the Best
Ranked World No. 18, Divya had already made waves earlier in the tournament by knocking out second seed Zhu Jiner and then overcoming her compatriot and Indian No. 2 Harika Dronavalli in a thrilling quarterfinal. Against Tan Zhongyi, ranked World No. 4, Divya played a sharp and daring Alapin Sicilian in the second game of the semifinal, using the white pieces to secure a decisive win. With the first leg drawn, she took the match 1.5–0.5, eliminating one of the most experienced names in women’s chess.
This victory also earned Divya her first Grandmaster (GM) norm, bringing her one step closer to becoming India’s fourth female Grandmaster, after Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R. Vaishali.
A GM norm is a high-level performance standard a chess player must meet in FIDE-approved tournaments, typically against strong international opponents. To earn the Grandmaster title, a player needs three such norms and a FIDE rating of 2500+. Divya’s win over Tan Zhongyi earned her first GM norm, bringing her closer to becoming India’s fourth female Grandmaster.
Rising Star, Unshakable Focus
Divya’s journey to the final has been marked by tactical brilliance, fearless play, and unwavering focus. Her ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the world’s strongest players has left the chess world in awe. The semifinal win is not just a personal triumph but a major milestone for Indian chess, especially in the women’s circuit.
Awaiting her in the final is either top-seeded Lei Tingjie of China or India’s own Koneru Humpy, whose semifinal clash went into tiebreaks after two hard-fought draws. If Humpy joins Divya in the final, India will see an all-Indian FIDE World Cup final for the first time—a historic moment in global chess.
India’s Rising Power in Women’s Chess
Divya’s breakthrough reflects the growing strength of Indian women in chess. Her qualification for the Candidates Tournament means that India will have at least one, and possibly two, representatives in the race to challenge reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun. If Humpy also qualifies, India’s presence in the top tier of women’s chess will be stronger than ever.
As the chess world watches with anticipation, Divya Deshmukh has already carved her name into the history books—with style, confidence, and the unmistakable spark of a future world champion. At just 19, she’s not just competing with the best—she’s beating them.
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