Divya Deshmukh Triumphs Over Koneru Humpy in FIDE Women's World Cup

Nagpur, Jul 31 (PTI) Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh has expressed that she felt no pressure while competing in the FIDE Women's World Cup final against fellow Indian player Koneru Humpy. Arriving back in Nagpur on Wednesday from Batumi, Georgia, Divya was welcomed like a world champion, feeling overwhelmed by the warm reception at the airport. The 19-year-old managed to defeat the 38-year-old Humpy, a seasoned two-time World Rapid champion, in a time-controlled tie-breaker following draws in the two classical rounds. This victory marks the most significant achievement in Divya's burgeoning career, clinched after a critical blunder made by Humpy under time constraints in the second tie-breaker. "I never thought I was in any danger. I guess the last blunder she made handed me the win," Divya remarked to PTI Videos when queried about any pressure she faced in the final. "Since I had no results in my hand, I focused solely on my performance without any distractions," added Divya, who entered the tournament as an underdog with the goal of earning a Grandmaster norm and ended by becoming a GM. Beyond winning the tournament and the GM title, Divya secured a place in next year's Candidates and was awarded USD 50,000. Divya hopes this success will spark a greater interest in women's chess in India. "I'm optimistic that following this triumph, women, particularly youngsters, will embrace the sport and realize that nothing is impossible. My message is not for the young generation but for their parents: support your children wholeheartedly because they need you more during their failures than in success," stated Divya. Upon her return, she attributed her success greatly to her parents. "My parents have been the most significant influences in my career. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Credit goes to my family, including my sister, and my first coach, Rahul Joshi, who passed away in 2020 at just 40. He always dreamed of me becoming a Grandmaster, and this is for him," she asserted, acknowledging the critical support of her family members.

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