Divya Deshmukh Stuns World No. 2 Zhu Jiner at FIDE Women’s World Cup, Edges Closer to Historic Quarterfinal Berth
Batumi, Georgia: In a sensational performance on the global chess stage, India’s Divya Deshmukh defeated world No. 2 Zhu Jiner of China in Game 1 of their pre-quarterfinal match at the FIDE Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.
The 18-year-old Indian prodigy, playing with the white pieces, showcased remarkable strategic depth and composure to beat the tournament’s second seed. With this crucial victory, Divya has taken a 1-0 lead in the two-game knockout round and is now just one draw away from reaching the quarterfinals—a feat only one Indian woman, Harika Dronavalli, has achieved before.
“She was calm, focused, and made no unnecessary risks. This is a mature game from a rising star,” said a senior FIDE analyst commenting on Divya's victory.
A Tactical Masterclass from the Teen Prodigy
Divya’s approach to the game was measured and clinical. From the opening moves, she focused on gradual positional buildup, keeping her opponent on the back foot throughout the middlegame. When Zhu made a few subtle inaccuracies, Divya capitalized decisively and closed out the game with confidence.
The victory has sent shockwaves through the tournament, as Zhu Jiner was widely expected to advance deep into the knockout rounds. Ranked world No. 2, Zhu was considered a serious contender for the title and a likely qualifier for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.
But now, all eyes are on Divya Deshmukh, who continues to redefine expectations and raise hopes of a historic campaign for Indian chess.
Other Indian Contenders Hold Ground in Game 1
While Divya dazzled, India’s other three players in the pre-quarterfinals — R. Vaishali, Koneru Humpy, and Harika Dronavalli — played solidly and held their opponents to draws in their respective opening games.
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R. Vaishali, playing with white, faced Meruert Kamalidenova of Kazakhstan in a tense and balanced contest. Both players showed strong positional awareness, and the game ended in a well-fought draw.
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Koneru Humpy, one of India’s most accomplished players and a former World Championship finalist, defended solidly with black against Alexandra Kosteniuk of Switzerland, a former women’s world champion.
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Harika Dronavalli, a three-time World Championship semifinalist, also played with black and drew her game against Kateryna Lagno of Russia, another top-tier contender.
With all four Indian players still in contention, India has emerged as a major force in the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
What’s at Stake: Road to the Candidates Tournament
The FIDE Women’s World Cup is a critical stepping stone in the global chess calendar. The top three finishers in the tournament will qualify for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, which will determine the challenger for the Women’s World Championship title.
This edition of the event is being held in Batumi, Georgia, and features the best female players from across the world. With only two games in each knockout round, every move, and every draw or victory, carries immense weight.
Divya’s current lead means that even a draw in Game 2 on Thursday will be enough for her to advance to the quarterfinals—a breakthrough moment for Indian women's chess.
Who is Divya Deshmukh?
- Age: 18
- City: Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Current FIDE Ranking: Among top 25 women players
- Achievements: World Under-12 Champion (2016), Asian Continental Champion (2022), part of India’s Olympiad bronze-winning team (2022)
Divya has been one of the most promising talents in Indian chess in recent years, known for her aggressive style and sharp calculations. She has already defeated several higher-rated opponents on the global stage, but Wednesday’s win over Zhu Jiner is undoubtedly the biggest win of her career so far.
Game 2: All Eyes on Thursday
Game 2 of the pre-quarterfinals will be played on Thursday, July 17, and it promises high-stakes drama. Divya will have the black pieces, meaning she’ll need to defend her lead, possibly opting for solid, drawish lines to secure qualification.
Meanwhile, the other Indian players will be fighting for a win to avoid tiebreaks and book their spots in the quarterfinals.
What They’re Saying
“Divya is fearless. She treats every game like a fresh battle and has matured tremendously,”
— Coach Vishal Sareen
“Indian women’s chess is witnessing a golden phase. With four players in the pre-quarters, and one already leading, we could witness history,”
— Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta
Quick Recap: Indian Women in Pre-Quarters
| Player | Opponent | Result (Game 1) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divya Deshmukh | Zhu Jiner (World No. 2) | Won (1-0) | One draw from QFs |
| R. Vaishali | Meruert Kamalidenova | Draw | Must win/draw in Game 2 |
| Koneru Humpy | Alexandra Kosteniuk | Draw | Experienced campaigner |
| Harika Dronavalli | Kateryna Lagno | Draw | Semifinalist in 2023 |