Divya Deshmukh's FIDE World Cup Win Ignites Tributes: Anand Hails 'Celebration of Indian Chess'

Divya Deshmukh's FIDE World Cup Triumph Sparks Praise from Chess World

Viswanathan Anand, the former world champion, has lauded Divya Deshmukh, 19, for her remarkable victory at the FIDE Women's World Cup. Deshmukh secured the title after a tie-break win against fellow Indian player, the more experienced Koneru Humpy, on Monday.

Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy face off at the FIDE Women's World Cup.

This victory not only awarded the young player the prestigious World Cup title but also elevated her to the rank of Grandmaster, a feat that seemed unlikely at the start of the tournament.

Anand expressed his admiration on X, stating, "Congratulations to @Divyadeshmukh05 on winning the World Cup. Becoming GM and a spot in the Candidates. Amazing battle of nerves. @humpy_koneru played a very good event and showed a commendable fighting spirit. The great champion she is! It was a great celebration of Indian chess, particularly women's chess."

The tiebreakers proved crucial after the two classical games ended in draws. Humpy, despite her extensive list of achievements including nearly every major title except the World Cup and the Women's World Championship, faltered under pressure.

Deshmukh displayed remarkable composure, and her determination was rewarded with the Grandmaster title, a distinction reserved for the champion of this event.

With this win, Divya Deshmukh becomes the 88th Grandmaster from India. Her continued resolve suggests a promising future with potential for further success.

Emil Sutovsky, CEO of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), also celebrated Deshmukh's achievement.

He posted on X: "Divya Deshmukh wins the FIDE Women's World Cup! What an achievement for a 19-year-old Indian player! Not only does she become the youngest Women's World Cup winner, but also gets a GM title. Amazing feat! Bravo!"

Deshmukh is now the fourth Indian woman to achieve the Grandmaster title, following in the footsteps of Humpy, Dronavalli Harika, and R. Vaishali.

The contrast between the two finalists is notable. Humpy, 38, became a Grandmaster in 2002, while Divya was born in 2005. Divya's energetic play and relentless pressure in the opening tiebreaker ultimately wore down her experienced opponent, paving the way for her victory in the second tiebreaker.