19-year-old Divya Deshmukh scripted history on Monday by becoming the first Indian to clinch the FIDE Women’s World Cup. She defeated the legendary Konery Humpy in the tie-breaker of an all-India final in Batumi, Georgia. With the win, Divya has become the youngest ever winner of the FIDE Women’s World Cup.
Additionally, she has also become qualified to be bestowed with the eminent Grandmaster tag. She will be the 88th Grandmaster from India, and only the 4th Indian woman GM.
Since Humpy is twice the age of Divya, the contest between them was tagged as the battle of the generations. As the classical games ended in a stalemate, the odds were tilted towards the veteran Grandmaster, as she is the reigning World Rapid Chess champion. But, much like the entire tournament, Deshmukh overcame the odds and was crowned as the new champion.