All of 19, Divya Deshmukh stormed into the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat. Facing China’s former world champion Zhongyi Tan in the semifinal, Divya displayed nerves of steel and masterful composure to seal a 1.5-0.5 win across two classical games.

BREAKING NEWS: 19-year-old IM Divya Deshmukh qualifies to FIDE Women's World Cup Finals, books her spot at the Women's Candidates Chess Tournament 2026!

Divya won a wild game against Former Women's World Champion Tan Zhongyi in Game 2 of the semifinals! The first game was drawn,… pic.twitter.com/ZUL0WbQXDT

Having held Tan to a solid draw on Tuesday with the black pieces in a tightly-contested game stemming from the Queen’s Gambit Declined, Divya entered the second game with renewed focus. Playing with the white pieces, she built her position with precision and waited patiently for her opportunity. That chance arrived in the endgame, where Tan faltered with a costly blunder. Divya capitalised instantly, converting the advantage into a memorable win that not only secured her place in the final but also earned her a ticket to the prestigious FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.