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FIDE Women’s World Cup Final, Game 2: Humpy and Divya set for thrilling tiebreaks
The second game of the Women’s World Cup final ended in a draw. Humpy Koneru tried to complicate the game with a pawn sacrifice. Divya Deshmukh defended calmly and the game finished peacefully after 34 moves.
Divya shared after the game, “It should have been an easy draw, but I got into trouble for no reason.” Both classical games have now ended in draws. The title will be decided tomorrow in rapid tiebreaks.
Humpy, the reigning World Rapid Champion, enters the tiebreaks as a favorite. But Divya has already shown nerves of steel by defeating Zhu Jiner and Harika Dronavalli earlier in rapid playoffs.
“I think I’m going to give my best tomorrow,” Divya said.
“She is a very strong player, but I’m hoping things go my way.”
Elite accuracy on display
The second classical game between Humpy and Divya was a true masterclass in precision. Both players played with an incredible 99% accuracy and just three average centipawn loss.
Humpy surprised Divya with the modern Zukertort setup: 1.Nf3 2.e3 3.c4. Though not her usual opening, Humpy had used it before to beat IM Salome Melia at the 2024 New York Rapid & Blitz, where she won the World Rapid title.
Divya was well prepared and neutralized White’s play quickly. The game reached a queen and minor piece endgame that looked balanced.
At move 21, Divya played 21…Ne4, a sharp choice approved by engines. Humpy responded with 22.Bxe4 dxe4 23.d5!, sacrificing a pawn to activate her bishop.
White gained the initiative despite being a pawn down. Divya later admitted: “I got myself into a mess for no reason. I was trying to see if there was a win, but I missed Qb8.”
On move 26, Divya’s pieces were under pressure. Her knight on d8 was pinned, and mating threats appeared.
Divya calmly played Kh7, then freed herself with …Nc6. She returned the extra pawn and simplified into a perpetual check, securing the draw.
According to an unofficial FIDE poll of 10,000 viewers, 52% predict Divya to win, while 48% support Humpy. Tomorrow’s rapid and blitz games will decide everything.
Tan Zhongyi wins third place and a Candidates spot
Tan Zhongyi beat Lei Tingjie to win the bronze medal. More importantly, she secured the last spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Lei opened with the Giuoco Pianissimo, a quiet line she used before against Humpy. Tan had prepared this variation from her earlier game against Vaishali.
She admitted in an interview, “I feel pretty lucky. I didn’t expect her to play this today.”
The first key moment came after 12.Bb5!?. The game quickly turned tactical after 12…exd4 13.Nc4! dxc3 14.Nxb6!.
Instead of grabbing pawns, Tan focused on activity and safety, declining risky material.
Both players followed top engine moves with impressive precision.
Missed chances and final blunder
In the middlegame, Tan had a hidden win with 35…Qf1! and the follow-up h5!. It would have set up unstoppable threats. But Tan missed it, and the game remained balanced.
Later, in a tense endgame, Lei blundered with 52.Kxh5?. Tan replied with 52…Rf4!, sealing the win.
The knight couldn’t take the a5 pawn due to 53…Rf5+, which would have led to promotion.
With this win, Tan Zhongyi took third place and qualified for the Candidates. Across three Women’s World Cups, she now has two third places and a fourth place.
About the tournament
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup runs from July 6 to July 28 in Batumi, Georgia. It features 107 players from 46 federations, including 17 of the world’s top 20 women. They compete for a $50,000 first prize and three Candidates spots. Find daily updates and pairings on the official Women’s World Cup website.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
