Historic Final: Koneru vs Divya in First-Ever All-Indian FIDE Women's World Cup Final

By: WE Staff | Saturday, 26 July 2025

• India's First-Ever All-Indian Final at Women’s Chess World Cup
• Veteran Koneru Humpy to face Teen Star Divya Deshmukh on FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 Finals
• The match will feature classical games on July 26 and 27 at 4:30 PM IST, with tie-breaks (if needed) on July 28

The FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, will feature a historic all-Indian final between Grandmaster Koneru Humpy and International Master Divya Deshmukh. This marks the first time in the event's history that two Indian players will contest the final, guaranteeing an Indian champion. The match format will feature classical games on July 26 and 27 at 4:30 PM IST, with tie-breaks (if needed) on July 28, featuring rapid and blitz formats. Viewers can watch their match on FIDE's official YouTube channel.

Koneru, a 38-year-old World Rapid champion and the world's greatest female player with a career spanning over three decades, defeated top seed Lei Tingjie in a tie-break, while Divya, a 19-year-old who stunned several top-ranked players, surpassed former World Champion Tan Zhongyi. Both players secured their places in the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament, strengthening India's presence in women's chess. The winner will receive a $50,000 cash prize, whereas the runner-up will receive a $35,000 cash prize.

Divya has made significant strides since starting at age 5. She has won under-10 and under-12 world titles, and has been a key member of India's gold-winning Olympiad teams. Her tactical acuity and composure under pressure have earned her a reputation as a versatile and fearless player. Former World Champion Anand praised her and stated, "She is someone with a lot of potential, and this will be a huge boost to her confidence." Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded her grit and determination and called her an inspiration for young chess players everywhere.