Indian teenager Divya Deshmukh stuns World No. 2 Zhu Jiner at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi. With a 1-0 lead, Divya is one step away from a historic quarterfinal. Other Indian stars Vaishali, Humpy, and Harika play out draws in their respective matches.
In a dramatic turn of events at the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh pulled off a sensational upset on Wednesday by defeating World No. 2 and tournament second seed Zhu Jiner of China. The victory in the first game of their pre-quarterfinal match marks one of the most significant surprises in this year’s tournament and positions Divya on the cusp of a historic quarterfinal berth.
Playing with the white pieces, Divya demonstrated remarkable strategic maturity, exceptional board awareness, and composed execution against one of the tournament favourites. She gradually built a strong positional advantage during the middlegame, keeping constant pressure on Zhu, who is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the title. Seizing on several inaccuracies by the Chinese star, Divya converted her superior position into a memorable victory.
This win gives Divya a 1-0 lead in the two-game match format. A draw in Thursday’s second game will be enough to secure her place in the quarterfinals. If she succeeds, Divya will become only the second Indian woman to reach the quarterfinals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup—following in the footsteps of Harika Dronavalli, who achieved the feat in 2023.
Divya’s performance has not only thrilled Indian chess fans but also underlined her rising status on the international stage. Having earned a reputation as a fierce competitor in junior and rapid formats, her win against Zhu Jiner signals her arrival as a serious contender in classical chess as well.
While Divya captured the spotlight, the other Indian players in the pre-quarterfinals—R. Vaishali, Koneru Humpy, and Harika Dronavalli—were involved in hard-fought encounters that ended in draws.
Vaishali, playing white against Kazakhstan’s Meruert Kamalidenova, had a closely contested game. Both the players engaged in a tactical battle where neither was able to create a decisive breakthrough. Vaishali managed to maintain a slight initiative throughout but was unable to convert it into a win.
Koneru Humpy and Harika, both the seasoned Grandmasters and former World Championship semifinalists, showcased their defensive prowess while playing with the black pieces. Humpy held Switzerland’s Alexandra Kosteniuk to a draw in a solid performance, while Harika neutralized the dynamic style of Russia’s Kateryna Lagno with resilient play.
The FIDE Women’s World Cup remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in international chess. This edition carries even greater weight, as the top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament—the gateway to a shot at the Women’s World Championship title.
India’s performance in this edition reflects the country’s growing strength in women’s chess. With four players making it to the pre-quarterfinal stage, and Divya Deshmukh’s upset victory now propelling her toward a potentially historic milestone, Indian chess appears to be entering a new era of global prominence.
| Also Read: Deepika wins Poligras Magic Skill Award for solo goal against Netherlands |
All eyes will now turn to Thursday’s second games of the pre-quarterfinals. Divya will aim to maintain her composure and avoid unnecessary risks as she seeks to secure the biggest result of her young career. Meanwhile, Vaishali, Humpy, and Harika will look to press for victories and join her in the quarterfinals.
Regardless of the results, this tournament has already showcased the depth of Indian talent and the promise of a new generation of players ready to take on the world’s best.
