India Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay has lavished praise on teenager Divya Deshmukh, 19, who outclassed her highly experienced opponent and compatriot Koneru Humpy, 38, via tie-breaker to clinch the FIDE Women’s World Cup title at Batumi, Georgia, on Monday.

India’s 4th woman GM

Nagpur-based Deshmukh became only the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster. Deshmukh’s highest career triumph came after the first two classical games (played on Saturday and Sunday) ended in draws. In the time-controlled tie-breaker, Deshmukh, playing with white, was again held to a draw. However, in the reverse game, while playing with black pieces, she managed to overcome two-time World Rapid Champion Humpy 2.5-1.5.

Pravin Thipsay