Four Indian players Humpy, Harika, Divya, and Vaishali have reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi. Their victories mark a historic milestone for Indian chess, proving the country’s rising dominance on the world stage and setting up two thrilling all-Indian quarterfinal clashes.
In a historic and nail-biting day at the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, four Indian women—GM Humpy Koneru, GM Harika Dronavalli, IM Divya Deshmukh, and GM Vaishali Rameshbabu—advanced to the quarterfinals, marking a monumental achievement for Indian chess.
The Women’s World Cup, which runs from July 6 to July 28, features 107 top players from 46 federations, including 17 of the world’s top 20 female chess players. Against such elite competition, India’s commanding presence in the final eight underscores its rapid emergence as a chess superpower.
Calm and Composed: Humpy Koneru’s Masterclass
GM Humpy Koneru, the reigning World Rapid Champion, once again showcased her remarkable class and experience by defeating former World Champion GM Alexandra Kosteniuk. Humpy played a sharp and accurate first game to gain the upper hand and then smoothly sealed her spot with a composed draw in the second game. Her control of the board and nerves highlighted why she remains one of the most formidable figures in women’s chess.
Divya Deshmukh’s Dream Run Continues
18-year-old IM Divya Deshmukh continued her incredible run at the World Cup, defeating the highly-rated Chinese GM Zhu Jiner 1.5-0.5 in the rapid tiebreak. The second game witnessed Zhu sacrificing her queen in a bold tactical attempt, but Divya’s strategic clarity and precise calculation held firm. Divya’s maturity under pressure and unbeaten streak have made her one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
Harika Dronavalli’s Marathon Comeback
In one of the most dramatic matches of the day, GM Harika Dronavalli fought an epic battle against GM Kateryna Lagno. After losing the first rapid game, Harika was on the verge of elimination. But a missed tactical opportunity by Lagno in game two gave her a lifeline. Harika seized it, grinding her way through three more intense games. In the fourth tiebreak, she delivered a brilliant endgame performance that sealed her victory and booked her a spot in the final eight.
Vaishali Rameshbabu Survives Blitz Thriller
The most nerve-wracking contest came between IM Meruert Kamalidenova and GM Vaishali Rameshbabu. Their match went the distance—through classical, rapid, and blitz rounds. Wins were traded on both sides, and the final blitz game was an emotional rollercoaster. Despite being worse at one stage, Vaishali held her nerve and pulled off the win in the decider. Her resilience and fighting spirit drew admiration from chess fans around the world.
Two All-Indian Clashes in the Quarterfinals
With four Indian players reaching the quarterfinals, the next round will feature two high-stakes all-Indian matchups:
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GM Harika Dronavalli vs IM Divya Deshmukh
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GM Humpy Koneru vs GM Song Yuxin (China)
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GM Vaishali Rameshbabu vs GM Tan Zhongyi (China)
India is now guaranteed at least one semi-finalist, and potentially more, as the women continue their march through this prestigious tournament.
A Rising Power in Global Chess
This unprecedented achievement of placing four players in the final eight is a testament to India’s growing investment and talent in chess. With a mix of youth and experience, India’s women have proven they can compete—and win—against the world’s elite.
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As the 2025 Women’s World Cup moves toward its climactic stages, all eyes will remain on these four Indian champions. Their performances have already inspired millions and could usher in a new era of Indian dominance in international chess.
