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FIDE Women’s World Cup Round 6 Game 1: Two Solid Draws in the Semi-Finals
The FIDE Women’s World Cup semi-finals began with two tense games. Both matches ended in draws, leaving everything to be decided in the second games. It’s now an exciting battle between China and India in Batumi, Georgia.
Lei Tingjie vs Humpy Koneru: Strategic Fight Ends in a Draw
Humpy Koneru surprised Lei Tingjie in the opening. This made Lei choose a safer and more solid plan. The game turned into a tense, strategic battle with both players under pressure.
Humpy said after the game:
It was quite a tough game, not easy at all.
At some points, I felt I was OK, but then I thought it was a bit dubious.
I really don’t know what was going on.
Lei opened with 1.e4. Humpy replied with 1…e5 and chose the Berlin Defence. Instead of the usual moves, Humpy played 4…Ne7. This move aimed to reposition the knight via g6 and control the kingside.
Lei avoided a known trap and played carefully. Humpy tried to sacrifice a pawn twice, but Lei declined. As the game moved into the middlegame, Lei had a small edge thanks to better piece activity.
Humpy defended calmly and found good counterplay. She used moves like …a6, …c4, and …Bc5 to balance the position.
A key moment came when Humpy could have captured a pawn with 35…Qxa4. The computer confirmed it was playable, but Humpy preferred safety. She feared Lei’s possible kingside attack after 36.f6!.
Instead, she played 35…Qd3, and soon after, the players agreed to a draw.
Tan Zhongyi vs Divya Deshmukh: Quiet Game, Balanced Result
The other semi-final featured Tan Zhongyi against India’s young talent, Divya Deshmukh. Tan surprised Divya by playing 4.e3 in the Queen’s Gambit Declined. Divya paused to think and decided to go for an isolated queen’s pawn (IQP) structure.
Divya shared:
I didn’t expect 4.e3, so I took a few minutes to decide which variation I should go for.
Her choice led to active play and balanced chances. On move 11, Divya played a new idea: 11…Ba3!. After 12.Bxa3 Qa5+, she got back the bishop and reached full equality.
The game simplified into an equal endgame. A draw was agreed on move thirty. After the game, Divya shared a brief interview and looked calm and confident.
About the Tournament
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup is being held from July 6th to July 28th in Batumi, Georgia. It features 107 players from 46 countries, including 17 of the world’s top 20 women players. They compete for the $50,000 first prize and three spots in the Candidates Tournament.
You can find the full pairings and daily results on the Women’s World Cup official website.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
