India’s teenage chess sensation Divya Deshmukh continued her dream run at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 as she knocked out the former World Champion China’s Tan Zhongyi on Wednesday, July 23 to reach the final. With the win, Deshmukh became the first Indian to reach the summit clash in the elite tournament.

The 19-year-old stunned the World No.4 to record the biggest win of her career and reach the final. She defeated Zhongyi in the second leg of their semi-final by white pieces to to win the tie 1.5-0.5 after drawing the first leg with black pieces.

Deshmukh applied a wild Alapin Sicilian Defence game to turn the tide her in a game that ebbed and flowed both ways.

Deshmukh’s magical run so far

The 19-year-old has shown tremendous form in the ongoing tournament. She had defeated second seed China‘s Zhu Jiner in the fourth round, before knocking out compatriot Harika Dronavalli in the quarterfinals. Harika had pushed the quarterfinal clash into tie-breaks after playing two draws in the Classical leg.

However, Deshmukh was too good for Harika in the end.

Deshmukh will take on the winner of the second semifinal played between top seed China’s Lei Tingjie and India No. 1 Koneru Humpy. The 19-year-old’s result on Wednesday means that India could have two spots at the prestigious Candidate tournament.

Even if Humpy can make it to the final of the tournament, then she will also be assured of a place in the Candidate tournament. Even if she loses the final, the India No.1 will get another shot to seal her spot in the World Championship challenger tournament.

The FIDE Women’s World Cup is an important event in the World Championship cycle as it offers three qualifying spots for the Candidates. The Women’s Grand Prix Series 2024-25 and the Grand Swiss will provide two spots each, while the last is reserved for the highest-placed player in the FIDE Women’s Events 2025-26 series. Whoever wins the Candidates, will have the chance to challenge for the World Champion.

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