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#Divya Deshmukh reaches FIDE semi-finals with mother by her side

“She’s been my support system since day one,”-Divya Deshmukh credits mother's support!

India Input July 21, 2025

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#Divya Deshmukh reaches FIDE semi-finals! Teenage sensation Divya Deshmukh (IM) doubled India’s delight at the ongoing FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 by becoming the second Indian woman ever to qualify for the semi-finals. The 19-year-old International Master from Nagpur, Maharashtra, defeated experienced Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli 2-0 in a thrilling rapid tiebreak in Batumi on Monday after their quarter-final match ended in a draw.

Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh continued her impressive run on the international circuit, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing FIDE chess tournament. The 18-year-old Grandmaster displayed remarkable composure and strategic depth in a hard-fought qualifier, edging past a formidable opponent in a tense match that lasted over four hours.

By Dr. Namrata Mishra Tiwari, editor India Input.

What made the moment even more poignant was the presence of her mother at the venue—marking a rare and touching personal highlight in the typically solitary world of elite chess. Known for her calm demeanor and aggressive middle-game tactics, Deshmukh credited part of her mental strength to having her mother close during such a crucial game.

“She’s been my support system since day one,” Deshmukh said after the match. “Having her here reminded me to stay grounded and focused, even in difficult positions.”

Chessbase India Tweets !

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IM Divya Deshmukh defeated GM Harika Dronavalli and advanced to the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025! This is what she had to say about the support from her mother, Dr. Namrata Deshmukh who has travelled with Divya to Batumi, Georgia for the tournament.

Photos: Anna… pic.twitter.com/dggQ5c0JZu

— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) July 21, 2025

This victory places her among the top four in the prestigious event, and reaffirms her status as one of India’s rising stars in women’s chess. With seasoned competitors still in the draw, Deshmukh faces a challenging road ahead, but her recent form and unwavering focus signal strong potential for a deeper run.

— International Chess Federation @FIDE chess Tweets

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🇮🇳 Divya Deshmukh is through to the semifinals of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup!#FIDEWorldCup @DivyaDeshmukh05 pic.twitter.com/oUDcnQcGrP

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 21, 2025

The game itself saw Deshmukh opting for a flexible Queen’s Gambit Declined setup, navigating complex positional imbalances with confidence. A slight inaccuracy from her opponent in the middlegame gave Deshmukh the initiative, which she converted into a favorable endgame with precise calculation and time management.

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) Tweets

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🇮🇳 Divya Deshmukh (2463) defeats 🇨🇳 Zhu Jiner (2533) in Round 4 of the FIDE Women’s World Cup!#FIDEWorldCup @DivyaDeshmukh05 pic.twitter.com/uDDMiRvDZM

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 18, 2025

Divya seized her opportunity when Harika erred in the endgame of the first 15’+10″ tie-break. In the second game, Harika missed a couple of winning chances in the end. It cost her dearly and the match. Thus, the legend, Harika’s journey at this event comes to an end.

The International Master Divya Deshmukh Tweets !

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Thank you Sir for your kind wishes 🙏 https://t.co/5F9AR6xQQQ

— Divya Deshmukh (@DivyaDeshmukh05) June 18, 2025

Divya will face the 16th Women’s World Champion, GM Zhongyi Tan (CHN) in the Semifinals. Round 6/Semifinal Game 1 starts today at 3 p.m. local time, 4:30 p.m.

— Divya Deshmukh (@DivyaDeshmukh05) June 18, 2025 Tweets !

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Thank you Sir for your encouraging words 🙏 https://t.co/vYQA3McrkR

— Divya Deshmukh (@DivyaDeshmukh05) June 18, 2025

IM Divya Deshmukh has done it. She defeated the legend, GM Harika Dronavalli in both 15’+10″ Rapid games to advance to the Semifinals. Although in the second tie-break, she blundered twice in the endgame, allowing her opponent to get back, but this is only her second Women’s World Cup. So it’s okay to let the pressure affect her for a game. It will only make her stronger for Semifinals and perhaps Final too.

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) July 20, 2025 Tweets !

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♟️Checkmate to the world!

From Viswanathan Anand to the new-gen prodigies, Indian chess wizards are turning the chessboard into a stage for global glory.#WorldChessDay #ViswanathanAnand #IndianChess @vishy64theking @DGukesh @rpraggnachess @chessvaishali @humpy_koneru… pic.twitter.com/PdXR3bW1lH

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) July 20, 2025