FIDE Women's World Cup Final 2025 HIGHLIGHTS: Divya beats Humpy to win all-Indian final
Humpy's mistake in the 2nd rapid game cost her the title as Divya capitalised and wins the big prize.
 "Divya Deshmukh")
Divya Deshmukh
India’s rising chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh has made history by defeating veteran compatriot Koneru Humpy to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025. The exciting final, held in Batumi, Georgia, was settled in dramatic tiebreaks on Monday after both classical games ended in draws.
At just 19, Divya displayed impressive composure and skill under intense pressure. After the first rapid tiebreak game ended in a draw, she took advantage in the second rapid game playing with the black pieces. A crucial endgame mistake by the experienced 38-year-old Humpy allowed Divya to build a winning advantage, which she successfully converted to claim the championship.
This victory marks a major milestone in Divya’s rising career, establishing her as one of the most promising talents in Indian and world chess. With this win, she also earned the prestigious Grandmaster title, becoming only the fourth Indian woman to achieve this elite status and join the country’s chess greats.
Koneru Humpy, with decades of international experience, fought valiantly throughout the match. Her vast knowledge and resilience made the contest highly competitive. Nevertheless, Divya’s fearless and sharp playing style, especially in the rapid format that demands quick decisions and tactical acumen, proved to be the deciding factor.
The final highlighted the strength of Indian chess, as two gifted players from the same nation competed on the world stage. Divya Deshmukh’s triumph signals the emergence of a new generation of Indian chess stars, promising a bright future for the sport in the country.
Beyond the title and prize money, this win firmly establishes Divya as a rising force in global chess, setting her up for a potentially illustrious and successful career ahead.
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Divya crowned champion!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Can Divya capitalise?
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Humpy risks it!
Humpy breaks the stalemate by offering her pawn on d5. Divya accepts the challenge, opening the position, which leads to a queen exchange.
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: No risk in the mix!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: All outcomes still possible!
As the game enters the endgame, both players keep their rooks and queens on the board, leaving all outcomes possible. However, Divya holds a notable lead in time compared to Humpy at this point.
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Another draw incoming?
Humpy and Divya activate their knights near the a-file as the game takes on a more defensive tone.
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Both players vying for control!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Humpy going on the defense!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: 12 moves in!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: quick attacks on the board!
Game 2 of the tiebreaks features the Queen’s Gambit Declined with a Catalan Opening. Divya has carved out a slight edge, winning a pawn and holding the lead both on the clock and the evaluation bar.
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: 2nd rapid game underway!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: All moves from Rapid Game 1!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: First rapid game drawn!
Divya had to use up significant time on the clock to calculate the right move, with both players showing no intention of agreeing to a draw.
Eventually, Divya forces a series of perpetual checks, and the two players finally agree to a draw with a handshake.
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Both players not settling for a draw yet!
Koneru vs Divya Chess Women's World Cup LIVE UPDATES: Moves 16-22!
Here’s a summary of moves 16 to 25 between Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, commenting on the first rapid tie-breaker, suggests that a draw is the most probable result. Although Humpy is a pawn ahead, Anand notes that this advantage isn’t decisive.
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h3 Bg6
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Na4 Bg5
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Nxg5 Qxg5
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Rg3 Qf6
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d5 Rad8
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Qg4 cxd5
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Rf3 Qe6
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Qf4 b6
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Nc3 Ne4
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Re1 Qc6
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First Published: Jul 28 2025 | 1:52 PM IST
