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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.

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