Divya Deshmukh wins chess World Cup, becomes India’s 88th Grandmaster
Divya Deshmukh defeated GM Koneru Humpy in the final tiebreakers of the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
Divya Deshmukh defeated GM Koneru Humpy in the final tiebreakers of the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
Divya Deshmukh defeated GM Koneru Humpy in the final tiebreakers of the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
Divya Deshmukh became the first Indian to clinch the FIDE Women's World Cup, defeating compatriot GM Koneru Humpy in the final at Batumi in Georgia on Monday.
The 19-year-old International Master will be upgraded to the title of Grandmaster for winning the World Cup. She has become India’s 88th Grandmaster.
Divya got the better of the experienced Humpy in the second tie-breaker game after the first one ended in a draw. The two players had played out draws in their classical mini-match over the last two days before settling to decide the winner in the tiebreakers today.
"Before this, I didn't have one (GM) norm, and I was thinking, where can I get my norms. Now I am a Grandmaster," Divya said in one of her first interactions immediately after winning.
A player requires three norms, acquired from different tournaments, to attain a GM title. But FIDE awards automatic GM titles to players who win the World Cup.
Divya has also earned a cash prize of $50,000 (₹43 lakh) for winning the event, while Humpy will pocket $35,000 (₹30 lakh).