The semifinals of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup kicked off on Tuesday, July 22, with both Indian contenders Grandmaster Koneru Humpy and International Master Divya Deshmukh producing disciplined performances to hold their formidable Chinese opponents to draws in the first classical games.
With two Indians and two Chinese forming the final four, the event not only highlighted Asian dominance in women’s chess but also set the stage for a nerve-wracking finish.
Koneru Humpy vs 🇨🇳 Lei Tingjie: A surprise and a calm resolve
Top Indian player Koneru Humpy, known for her balanced style, brought something different to the board against China’s Lei Tingjie. Playing with the black pieces, Humpy unleashed a rare opening choice that surprised Lei as early as move four a novelty almost unseen in recent top-level women’s chess.
Lei, ranked among China’s strongest women players, struggled to find an immediate response. Despite her best resources, she couldn’t pull Humpy out of equilibrium. The game ultimately steered towards a balanced position where neither side could find a breakthrough, leading to a peaceful draw.
Before the game, a brief yet striking moment caught the attention of many chess fans and photographers alike: Humpy sat quietly at the board, eyes closed, meditating in deep concentration. As Lei approached, she paused respectfully before beginning her own pre-game routine a snapshot of focus, mutual respect, and the psychological intensity unique to this level of chess.
Divya Deshmukh vs 🇨🇳 Tan Zhongyi: Solid defence against a former World Champion
On the other board, 21-year-old Divya Deshmukh, playing only her first World Cup semifinal, faced GM Tan Zhongyi, a former Women’s World Champion known for her sharp, strategic style and endgame strength.
With black pieces, Divya showed remarkable maturity beyond her age. The game started with the Queen’s Gambit Declined, a classical and solid opening, signalling Divya’s intention to keep things under control rather than complicate matters.
Tan Zhongyi tried to probe and unsettle the young Indian, but Divya calmly exchanged pieces whenever possible, neutralizing White’s initiative. As the game entered its final phase, both players were left with a rook, a minor piece, and three pawns each on the same side of the board a scenario offering no practical winning chances.
They soon agreed to a draw, a result Divya and her team would consider a psychological success, given she now plays the second game with the advantage of white pieces.
Stakes, schedule and what comes next
The semifinals follow a two-game classical format. If the score remains tied after these, the matches move to faster tie-break games scheduled for the next day blitz and rapid formats that test reflexes as much as preparation.
The event itself has a prize pool of USD 691,250. The winner will receive USD 50,000 (over ₹43 lakh), the runner-up USD 35,000 (around ₹30 lakh), and the third-place finisher USD 25,000 (about ₹21 lakh).
Beyond prize money, the top three players will also earn coveted spots at the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament the gateway to challenging for the Women’s World Championship.
Given two Indians and two Chinese are in the semifinals, India is already assured of at least one player in the Candidates, marking yet another milestone for Indian women’s chess.
The bigger picture: Asian dominance and India’s quiet rise
This edition of the Women’s World Cup is also a reflection of how Asian chess, particularly from India and China, continues to shape the women’s game globally. Chinese players have long been dominant at the highest level, producing multiple world champions like Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi. But the rise of players like Divya Deshmukh signals a new wave of Indian challengers ready to join legends like Humpy and Harika Dronavalli.
For Humpy, already one of India’s greatest-ever women players, this tournament is a chance to add another prestigious title to a glittering career. For Divya, it is an opportunity to announce herself as a future contender on the world stage.
A clash of generations and styles
What makes these semifinals compelling is the contrast in styles and experience. Humpy brings decades of elite-level chess, calm calculation, and the ability to neutralize opponents’ plans early. Divya brings youthful confidence, sharp preparation, and fearlessness against higher-rated rivals.
Meanwhile, Lei Tingjie and Tan Zhongyi represent two generations of Chinese chess power Lei, a modern, dynamic attacker, and Tan, a strategic player with deep endgame mastery.
The second classical games on Wednesday, July 23 promise to be decisive. With both Indians now playing with white pieces, they have a slight psychological edge. Humpy’s opening surprise has already forced Lei Tingjie to revisit her preparation, while Divya’s resilience against Tan Zhongyi will boost her confidence.
If either Indian player can convert that advantage into a win, it could set up an all-Indian final a historic first in the Women’s World Cup.
In a sport that rewards patience, strategy, and nerves, Game 1 belonged to composure. Now, the spotlight shifts to Game 2, where Humpy and Divya will aim to take that crucial next step towards the final.
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