Veteran Indian chess player Humpy Koneru avoided a first-game loss in the FIDE Women’s World Cup final after a fierce opening from rising star Divya Deshmukh. Despite facing serious pressure early on, Humpy managed to draw the game, keeping the championship wide open as they head into Game 2.

Divya’s Tactical Shift Shakes Things Up

The game began with an unexpected twist. Instead of her usual 1.e4 opening, Divya started with 1.d4—something not often seen from her. The switch caught Humpy off balance, especially as she chose a defense she hadn’t played in years: the Queen’s Gambit Declined.

The early moves quickly became sharp and complex. Divya appeared well-prepared and gained control of the board, even coming close to a possible win within the first 25 moves. A turning point came when Humpy moved her king to f8 instead of the safer d8. That moment gave Divya a real shot at gaining a decisive edge.

But with the clock ticking and tension rising, Divya missed her chance. Her choice of 14.Bxb7 allowed Humpy to recover. A precise response—16…h5—helped equalize the position, closing the door on Divya’s early advantage.

“She had the better position after 12.Rb1,” Humpy admitted. “It was complicated from there, but once I played h5, I felt safer.”

Calm After the Storm

After nearly three hours of battle, the players shook hands for a draw. Divya looked disappointed as she left the board, clearly aware of the missed opportunity. Still, both she and Humpy stayed to meet fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos—bringing a sense of warmth to a tense day.

China’s Tan and Lei Also Draw in Third-Place Match

In the match for third place, China’s Tan Zhongyi and Lei Tingjie also settled for a draw. Tan began with 1.c4 and moved into a strategic setup designed to press on the queenside. Both players showed deep opening preparation and matched each other move for move into the middlegame.

Late in the game, small missteps by Tan gave Lei a slight edge, but the position remained too closed to break through. On move 40, Lei offered a draw, which Tan accepted. The two players left the table chatting and smiling—an easy sign of mutual respect.

Looking Ahead

Game 2 of the final takes place tomorrow, with Humpy playing White. After today’s dramatic opening, all eyes will be on whether Divya can bounce back—or if Humpy’s experience will lead her to victory.

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