Particle.news
Download on the App Store
26 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Indian Duo Draw Semifinal Openers at Women’s Chess World Cup

Their solid first-leg performances against China’s top seeds leave India poised for possible double qualification to the Candidates Tournament.

Image
Image
Koneru Humpy became the first became the first Indian to reach the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup. (PTI Photo)
Image

Overview

  • Koneru Humpy held world number 6 Lei Tingjie to a draw with the black pieces in the first game of their semifinal on Tuesday.
  • Divya Deshmukh produced a confident defensive display to secure a draw against former world champion Tan Zhongyi in her opening match.
  • Both Indian players will have the white pieces in the second-leg games on July 23 as they push for victories to reach the final.
  • With at least one Indian now assured of a spot, India could earn two places in the Women’s Candidates Tournament if both advance to the championship match.
  • The all-Asia semifinals underscore the ongoing India–China rivalry and highlight the growing strength and depth of Indian women’s chess.