FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 final: Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh head to tie-break after Game 2 draw
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
With both players having secured draws in the two classical games, they now head into a rapid-blitz showdown on Monday to determine who will be crowned the champion of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025.
Playing with the white pieces in Game 2, Humpy entered the board with steady intent, choosing a solid and controlled opening.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Divya, however, responded calmly and confidently, setting up a compact defence that kept any early aggression at bay.
As the middlegame unfolded, both players exchanged pieces at regular intervals, and the position began to simplify. With no clear advantage for either side, it became evident that neither was willing to take undue risks.
Eventually, the game entered a repetition of moves, a sequence where the same position is repeated multiple times, which, by rule, results in a draw.
This outcome sets the stage for an exciting tie-break on Monday.
Poll
Which player has the advantage going into the rapid-blitz showdown?
Humpy's experience Divya's youth and energy Both are equally matched
The format will now shift to rapid and blitz games, which are faster-paced and test a different dimension of the players' skills. Intuition and clock management become even more crucial.
Tiebreaks Format:
Two Rapid games of 10 minutes each, with a 10-second increment per move.
If tied, two additional 5-minute games with a 3-second increment.
If still tied, two Blitz games of 3 minutes each, with a 2-second increment.
If necessary, the Blitz games will continue in a 3+2 format until a winner is determined.
Humpy, the vastly experienced Grandmaster and reigning World Rapid Champion, will have the black pieces in the first rapid game, while Divya will start with white.
It's a fascinating battle of generations: 38-year-old Humpy, one of India's most accomplished players, facing off against 19-year-old Divya, one of its brightest young stars.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Monday's tie-break promises edge-of-the-seat action.
Moves of the Game 2 (With Humpy playing white pieces):
1. Nf3 d5
2. e3 Nf6
3. c4 e6
4. Nc3 a6
5. b3 c5
6. Bb2 Nc6
7. Cxd5 exd5
8. d4 Bg4
9. Be2 Bxf3
10. Bxf3 cxd4
11. exd4 Bb4
12. 0-0 Bxc3
13. Bxc3 0-0
14. Qd3 Re8
15. Rfe1 Qd7
16. h3 h6
17. Rac1 Rxe1+
18. Rxe1 Re8
19. Rx8+ Qxe8
20. Qf5 Qe6
21. Qf4 Ne4
22. Bxe4 dxe4
23. d5 Qxd5
24. Qg4 g6
25. Qc8+ Nd8
26. Qb8 Qg5
27. Bd4 Kh7
28. Qc7 Qd5
29. Bb6 Nc6
30. Qxb7 Qd1+
31. Kh2 Qd6+
32. Kg1 Qd1+
33. Kh2 Qd6+
34. Kg1 Qd1+
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
No player should miss out on tournaments due to lack of funds, says CM
1 2 Nagpur: Maharashtra is set to establish advanced sports training centres with global-standard facilities, international coaches, and certified nutritionists, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony for Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, Fadnavis said the state is committed to building a robust sports ecosystem where every deserving player gets full support. He also added that no athlete should miss out on tournaments due to financial or logistical constraints. Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said Divya's triumph brought him threefold happiness: as an Indian witnessing the end of Chinese dominance in chess, as a Maharashtrian proud of the state's talent, and as a Nagpurkar celebrating a hometown hero. "She made us proud at the global level," said Fadnavis. "At just 19, she's achieved what many can only dream of," he added. Fadnavis emphasised that Divya's journey — from Under-9 champion at the age of 7 to defeating elite global players — is a source of inspiration for thousands of young chess aspirants. Highlighting the focus, discipline, and sharpness required for chess in an age dominated by mobile distractions, he stressed that Maharashtra would continue to give sports the priority it deserves. "This felicitation is not just to honour her but to inspire others. We are building a system where no talented sportsperson is deprived of chances due to a lack of funds or facilities," he said. Fadnavis elaborated on several initiatives launched by the state to uplift sports. "Until recently, there was no provision to fund players. Now we've changed that. We offer cash prizes and direct support to help athletes with travel, training, and equipment," he said. Fadnavis also revealed that the state govt has already transferred Rs3 crore into Divya's account as a reward. On a lighter note, cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal commented on Nagpur's intellectual strength, saying, "People from Nagpur seem to be especially brilliant at chess." Jokingly, he added, "I also play chess, but in politics. Knocking out pawns and checkmating opponents is a skill we learn here, too." MLC Parinay Fuke, president of the Maharashtra Chess Association, also praised Divya's achievement, calling it a landmark moment for both Nagpur and India. "After Vishy Anand, she is the first Indian woman to bring such glory to India. The finals were tough, with three tie-breakers, but her aggressive play helped her clinch the win," he said. He recalled her early days, citing her first coach, the late Rahul Joshi, and current coach Abhimanyu Puranik. Fuke also revealed that when they approached the CM for funding the Chess Grand Prix in 2023, he immediately approved Rs2 crore. "Divya, who had lost to Koneru Humpy in the semi-final then, went on to defeat Humpy in this year's finale," he said. With the next Chess World Cup (Open) set to take place in India, Fuke said that Maharashtra deserves to host the event and take its rightful place on the world chess map. Fadnavis replied that if the Maharashtra Chess Association manages to bag the hosting rights, the state govt will ensure that it is organised at a grand level. Newly appointed sports minister Manikrao Kokate, in his first public address, called chess a mix of discipline, concentration, and mental strength. Kokate announced that funds would be specially allocated for advanced training of girl athletes. "If girls are given the right opportunity and support, they can conquer the world. I will do everything in my capacity to make Maharashtra the top state in sports," Kokate said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
It was quite stressful, you have have to keep up your stamina: Divya Deshmukh on title triumph
Divya, 19, overcame Humpy in the tie-breaker after two nerve-wracking classical games ended in draws to become the first Indian woman to win the prestigious title and become a Grandmaster. HT Image "It was quite stressful. Quite difficult at least because also it's such a long event. You have to keep up your stamina. You have to be resistant and you have to show up on the board every single day to give your best. Thankfully, I was never in a situation where I had to be in a must-win (situation). So, I don't know how I would have coped with that," said Divya in an interaction posted by FIDE on social media. The Nagpur player added that though she was nervous going into the final, she wanted to give it her best shot after coming this far. "I think from an emotional perspective, maybe, but the finals was incredibly difficult. The pressure, the nerves the toll that the entire tournament was taking and the feeling like you've come so far and now you cannot go back down so I would say it was quite difficult. "I think there was always some part of me that would never give up. So I always wanted to fight, but after I lost the second match I was quite disappointed or mainly because I got a good position at the opening.. Beating an opponent like GM Dronavalli Harika in a tough quarterfinals was a key motivations which helped Divya to go all the way to the final. The match went to a tiebreak after two classical games ended in draws. Divya won both tiebreak games to advance to the semifinals. "Harika was definitely quite strong, but I think because I had gone through (some tough games) already... by the time I got to Harika, I was already quite sure. Divya said she was taking it one game at a time and only started entertaining thoughts of winning the title after she had reached the final. "At least, I never had the thoughts of winning the tournament until I was in the finals. I knew that of course there's some part of you that always, you know, wants (to be) the best, but I was just trying to survive. Divya then beat Tan Zhongyi of China in the semifinals, one of the strongest players in the world. "She was a very strong player. Very strong. That was a close match. (As for Humpy), I think she's definitely quite strong, but honestly in this tournament the know you have to be calm throughout the entire tournament." On whether achieving the GM title was bigger than winning the tournament, she said, "I think Grandmaster title is something that would have eventually come definitely come. I don't know when but it would have. So can't choose. I think the fact that both of them happen at the same time makes it all the more special. "I think maybe maybe it was destiny that I got my title in one shot and the fact that I did not even have even one (GM) norm before it and now I'm a Grandmaster. That's why I think that maybe it was meant to be.". On what her mother told her following the emotional hug after winning the title, Divya said, "She told me to have confidence in myself and to manage my time. I think motivation is not a constant factor. I think sometimes there is, sometimes there isn't, but you just have to push through it. "At least that's what I've been doing. And, what I believe in is that all I can do is give my best and I don't control the results. So, that's what I've been focusing on."
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG: After quiet series a loud finish for Yashasvi Jaiswal at The Oval with 'Rohit bhai' watching on
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma in London: The leap of faith, punch in the air and the helmet was off in a flash. The gloves were next as he took a few steps back after placing his gear on the ground and started blowing multiple kisses towards the section which houses the dressing room and multiple hospitality boxes. At level one were his teammates, the second floor had his parents and enjoying the game from the hospitality suite was former India Test captain Rohit Sharma . The kisses were followed by a gesture where he made a heart with the fingers of his two hands. He thoroughly enjoyed reaching three figures and would have certainly meant the world to him because it came in front of his "Rohit bhai". It wasn't a typical Jaiswal hundred where he exercised control and dominated the opposition but looked very determined to get a big one in what had been a quiet series by his lofty standards, and against an opposition he has had a lot of success against. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! A hundred in the first innings of the series was followed by just two fifties in the next seven, and the pressure of his own expectations would have certainly increased after an early departure in the first innings of fifth Test. The left-hander was the leading run-getter - 391 runs in five Tests - for the side in Australia and had a bumper home season when England toured India last season where he amassed 712 runs in the five Tests. The second essay at The Oval presented him with an opportunity to end the series on a high and the stakes couldn't have been bigger. With the match reduced to almost a single-inning shootout, the visitors needed a solid start and all eyes were on the pair of KL Rahul and Jaiswal. The former got out early, next man in Sai Sudharsan too didn't last long but Jaiswal carried on. First to see off the nervy period with nightwatchman Akash Deep towards the end of Day 2, and then to pile on the misery on the hosts, a bowler short, in the morning session of Day 3. The 23-year-old was dropped twice, played and missed plenty of times but stayed at it. The rub of the green did go his way and even though he never looked in control, he rode his luck and operated with a mature head to give India a solid foundation. But for Jaiswal, more than the innings or the situation in which it came, what would have mattered more is the fact that it allowed him to get a sense of reassurance. Runs at home, in Australia and now England. Not many have managed to do what the southpaw has so early in his career and his hunger for runs, and big runs, doesn't seem to die down any soon. Whether it's the eve of the match or even morning of his inning, he doesn't waste an opportunity to knock a fair few in the nets and likes to be in the zone. Sticking to the "process" continues to be the key word and his approach is not at all complicated. Greenstone Lobo predicts result of India vs England fifth Test | What's in the stars? Very chatty with his partners, aware of the fields and itching to get on top of the bowlers, continue to be the ingredients which allow him to serve that delicious dish on most occasions he goes out to bat for the country. Jaiswal's sixth hundred in the format, and fourth against England, not only allowed India to set a stiff target for the opposition but reaffirmed why he continues to be an asset for the side at top of the order in the format. Ever since he occupied the position, and later combined with Rahul, India's opening woes have become a thing of the past and that's likely to be the case in the home season which follows. For Jaiswal, however, home or away has hardly mattered as he continues to deal in tons, and the heart celebration could well become the coolest celebration of town! For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
