By Admin 
Emerging as one of the leading players of India, international master Divya Deshmukh defeated Hamantan De Harika, a better ranking than her, 2–0 in Tiebreak to enter the semi-finals of the FIDE World Women’s Chess Cup.
There was pressure on Harika in Rapid Tybrek after the classical bet was done twice. Divya won the first bet with determination, which led to a lot of pressure on Harika. After this, Divya also won the second game and won the match.
Harika has been a semi-finalist in a similar format on three different occasions, which was then called the World Women’s Championship. Hampi and now Divya have become two Indians who have made it to the semi -finals of the Women’s World Cup. This competition is part of the new World Championship cycle.
Divya deshmukh is overwhelmed with emotions as she beats Harika Dronavalli 2-0 in Tiebreaks to Reach a Women’s World Cup Semifinal Against Tan Zhongyi! https://t.co/t9grieqbzr pic.twitter.com/zwoyorjpf1
– chess24 (@chess24com) July 21, 2025
This also means that the entry of an Indian has been confirmed in the women’s candidates tournaments to be held next year. The women’s candidate tournament will decide who will compete against China’s Joo Wenjun in the World Championship.
For the first time in his career, Indian Koneru Hampi, a supreme ranked Indian, has reached the final four for the first time. Divya’s association with her as a semi -finalist shows a big change in the Indian women’s chess where male players have achieved more success.
In the semi -finals, Hampi will face top seed Lee Tingji of China while Divya will take on former woman world champion Tan Jhongi of China.