Could Divya Deshmukh Overcome Zhu Jiner in Tiebreaks?
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Synopsis
As all four Indian players at the FIDE Women's World Cup face tiebreaks, the stakes couldn't be higher. With rising star Divya Deshmukh battling second-seed Zhu Jiner, and fellow competitors R. Vaishali, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy also in the mix, Friday promises to be an exhilarating day in Georgia.
Key Takeaways
- All four Indian players enter the tiebreaks at the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
- Divya Deshmukh faces a challenging match against Zhu Jiner.
- R. Vaishali, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy also contend in tiebreaks.
- Three Chinese players have smoothly advanced to the quarterfinals.
- The competition for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament is heating up.
New Delhi, July 17 (NationPress) India's impressive journey at the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi took a surprising twist on Thursday as all four Indian representatives in the Round of 16 found themselves heading into tiebreaks, setting the stage for a thrilling Friday in Georgia.
The most significant turn of events occurred in the match featuring rising star Divya Deshmukh against second-seeded Chinese player Zhu Jiner. After pulling off a remarkable upset in Game 1 on Wednesday, Divya only needed a draw with the black pieces in Game 2 to advance to the quarterfinals. However, Zhu retaliated strongly, taking advantage of a mistake in the middlegame, which leveled the match and propelled them into tiebreaks.
Divya chose a Scotch Opening but soon found herself in a precarious position as Zhu capitalized on mistakes in the Indian player's strategy. Despite her relentless efforts, Divya was unable to salvage the endgame, leading her to prepare for a crucial rapid tiebreak series to keep her World Cup aspirations alive.
Joining her in the tiebreaks are R. Vaishali, Koneru Humpy, and Harika Dronavalli, all of whom ended their matches in draws for the second consecutive day.
Vaishali, playing with the black pieces against Kazakhstan’s Meruert Kamalidenova, demonstrated solid defensive techniques but could not secure a victory. Humpy and Harika, both playing with white pieces, also ended their games in draws against experienced adversaries — Alexandra Kosteniuk from Switzerland and Kateryna Lagno from Russia, respectively.
Meanwhile, three Chinese players smoothly advanced to the quarterfinals. Lei Tingjie calmly drew her second match against Uzbekistan’s Umida Omonova, while Song Yuxin did the same against Lela Javakhishvili of Georgia. Tan Zhongyi secured her spot by holding Yulia Osmak in a safe draw during her second game.
The day's most shocking upset came from Georgian veteran Nana Dzagnidze, who eliminated former world champion Mariya Muzychuk of Ukraine, thrilling the local fans with her composed performance.
With only three slots available for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, the pressure is mounting. For the four Indian contenders, Friday’s rapid tiebreaks — set to commence at 4:35 PM IST — will be pivotal.
Point of View
I recognize the fierce competition our Indian players face. The FIDE Women’s World Cup not only showcases their talent but also highlights the growing prominence of women in chess. The upcoming tiebreaks will be a true test of their skills and resilience, and we stand firmly behind them, hoping for a strong performance that inspires future generations.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the FIDE Women's World Cup tiebreaks?
The tiebreaks consist of rapid games where players have limited time to make their moves, adding an intense layer of strategy and pressure.
How are players selected for the Women's Candidates Tournament?
The top finishers in the FIDE Women’s World Cup secure their spots in the Women’s Candidates Tournament, which is a crucial step towards competing for the World Championship.
Who are the key players to watch in the tiebreaks?
Besides Divya Deshmukh, keep an eye on R. Vaishali, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy, as they all have the potential to advance further with strong performances.
