
The FIDE Women’s World Cup final has intensified as Divya Deshmukh successfully held Koneru Humpy to a draw in the second classical game, pushing the match into tiebreaks to determine the champion. This exciting development took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, captivating chess fans worldwide.
Match Overview
The final began with Koneru Humpy securing a hard-fought victory in the first game, placing significant pressure on Divya Deshmukh. However, Deshmukh responded with poise and careful strategy in the second game to neutralize Humpy’s attacks and force a draw after more than 40 moves. Both grandmasters displayed remarkable tactical skill and defensive strength throughout the encounter.
Current Standings
- Classical games series score: 1.5 – 0.5 in favor of Koneru Humpy
- Tiebreak format: Rapid games scheduled later today
The rapid tiebreak games are set to test the players’ speed and decision-making under pressure, with the winner to be crowned world champion.
Player Reactions
After the match, Divya Deshmukh expressed her confidence: “Holding Humpy to a draw was crucial. I’m mentally prepared for the rapid games and ready to fight for the title.” Koneru Humpy commented, “It was a tough game. Both of us played well. I look forward to the tiebreaks and hope to close out the match strongly.”
Significance of the Tournament
This prestigious tournament not only crowns the world champion but also significantly influences the players’ international rankings. The event has witnessed growing global interest, reflecting the rising strength and popularity of women’s chess.
Fans at the Baku Chess Centre cheered energetically following the draw announcement, applauding the fierce competition and Deshmukh’s resilience.
Stay tuned for more updates exclusively on Space Sports.
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