The 2025 Chess Women’s World Cup in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, witnessed a historic achievement as four Indian chess players—Humpy Koneru, Harika Dronavalli, Divya Deshmukh, and Vaishali R—advanced to the quarterfinals on July 20. This remarkable feat highlights the growing prominence of Indian women in the global chess arena.
Key Highlights of the Matches
- Humpy Koneru: Triumphed over her Russian opponent with a tactical first game win followed by a solid draw, advancing with a 1.5-0.5 score.
- Harika Dronavalli: Defeated a higher-ranked Bulgarian competitor convincingly with a 2-0 win, thanks to her precise endgame strategy.
- Divya Deshmukh: Known as a rising star, she stunned fans by beating an experienced Ukrainian rival with a 1.5-0.5 score through aggressive play and confident queen maneuvers.
- Vaishali R: Secured her quarterfinal spot by outplaying a top-seeded Chinese contender with strong positional and tactical awareness, winning 1.5-0.5.
Significance of the Achievement
This impressive advancement is a major milestone for Indian chess, guaranteeing four quarterfinal places and showcasing the nation’s deep talent pool. It signals a new era for Indian women’s chess on the world stage.
Reactions and Future Prospects
Coach Ramesh Bhai expressed pride in the team’s resilience and skill, calling it “an exciting moment for Indian chess,” with expectations of even greater success ahead.
Fans across India have celebrated this milestone enthusiastically on social media, hailing it as the beginning of a golden era for women’s chess in the country. As the quarterfinals progress, all eyes remain on these four formidable players competing for the prestigious championship title.
Stay tuned for further updates exclusively on Space Sports.
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