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FIDE Women’s World Cup Round 4 Tiebreaks: Four Indians Make History
The tiebreaks in Round 4 brought thrilling moments at the FIDE Women’s World Cup. All four Indian players made it to the quarterfinals, showing true grit and skill.
Tomorrow’s big matches:
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Lei Tingjie vs Nana Dzagnidze
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Humpy Koneru vs Song Yuxin
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Harika Dronavalli vs Divya Deshmukh
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Tan Zhongyi vs Vaishali Rameshbabu
Let’s look at how today’s battles unfolded.
Divya Deshmukh vs Zhu Jiner
In the first rapid game, Zhu Jiner surprised everyone with the rare Konstantopoulos King’s Knight Opening. She got a small advantage, but Divya stayed calm and patient. When Zhu overextended, Divya counterattacked and steered the game into a better rook endgame. Despite it being theoretically drawn, Divya’s precise play under time pressure turned it into a win.
Between games, Divya checked openings on her laptop and relaxed with her mother.
In the second game, Zhu made a brave queen sacrifice for a rook and bishop to avoid a draw. It was a creative idea, but Divya found the exact moves to hold the position. She could have even played for a win but wisely took a draw to secure qualification. After the match, Divya shared a warm hug with her mother and gave an interview.
Humpy Koneru vs Alexandra Kosteniuk
In the first game, Humpy sacrificed a piece in a tricky position. It was risky, but under time pressure, Kosteniuk couldn’t find the best defence. This brave decision paid off for Humpy.
In the second game, Kosteniuk overextended early. Humpy steadily increased pressure and reached a winning endgame. The game ended in a draw, which was enough to send Humpy to the final eight. Afterward, Humpy joined the FIDE team for post-game analysis.
Harika Dronavalli vs Kateryna Lagno
Harika tried to surprise Lagno in the first rapid game with the rare Ulvestad variation. Lagno was prepared and kept an advantage, winning the game.
Lagno was in control going into the second game. Harika made a blunder trying to simplify the position. Shockingly, Lagno missed a winning move and played inaccurately. Harika saw the chance and fought back.
In the third game, Lagno pressed hard and created a strong passed pawn. The position looked winning, but opposite-coloured bishops made it tricky.
The fourth game was a masterpiece by Harika. Lagno blundered in a queen exchange, and Harika converted her advantage with beautiful endgame technique.
Vaishali Rameshbabu vs Meruert Kamalidenova
This was the longest match, going into blitz tiebreaks. They traded wins in the rapid games, showing resilience and fighting spirit.
Kamalidenova won first by exploiting Vaishali’s weak king. Vaishali equalised in the next game with careful endgame play.
Vaishali dominated the third rapid game. Kamalidenova fought back in the fourth, forcing blitz tiebreaks.
The first blitz game ended equal. In the second, Vaishali held her nerve and narrowly won. She later admitted relief, realising she came very close to elimination.
Follow the Action
Watch the games live with commentary by GM Valeriane Gaprindashvili and IM Almira Skripchenko on the FIDE YouTube channel.
About the tournament:
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup is held from July 6th to July 28th in Batumi, Georgia. It features 107 players from 46 federations, including many of the world’s top players. They compete for a $50,000 first prize and three spots in the Candidates Tournament.
Check daily updates and pairings on the Women’s World Cup official website.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
