'Beating Zhu Jiner gave me confidence': Divya Deshmukh reflects on historic Chess World Cup run, credits mother's support

Teenage sensation Divya Deshmukh doubled India’s delight at the ongoing FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 by becoming the second Indian woman ever to qualify for the semi-finals. The 19-year-old International Master from Nagpur, Maharashtra, defeated compatriot Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli 2-0 in a thrilling rapid tiebreak in Batumi on Monday after their quarter-final match ended in a draw.

Divya will join veteran Koneru Humpy in the semi-finals, making it the first time India will have two players in the last four stage of a FIDE Women’s World Cup. Humpy will face top seed Lei Tingjie of China in her semi-final, while Divya will be up against Tan Zhongyi, also from China.

The top three players from the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 will be guaranteed a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which will be played to find the challenger for the World Chess Championship. With two semi-finalists, India are guaranteed at least one spot.

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The impact of the history-making feat was quite evident on Divya’s face as she defeated Harika. The teenager took a while to compose herself and recollect her thoughts. In a candid chat with Woman International Master Charlize van Zyl, Divya shared that he was still shaking from the memorable win.

“Very shaky,” she told FIDE. “I think I am happy with the way I played. I don’t think the last game went well but, not really (worried)…My preparation had a lot of role in that game and I would like to thank my coach for that.”

🇮🇳 Divya Deshmukh is through to the semifinals of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup!#FIDEWorldCup @DivyaDeshmukh05 pic.twitter.com/oUDcnQcGrP

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 21, 2025

Divya has, of course, successfully crossed multiple odds to reach the semi-finals. Reflecting on her history-making journey, Divya said that the tiebreak win over second seed Zhiu Jiner of China in Round 4 of the tournament gave her the required confidence.

“Zhu Jiner was definitely my toughest opponent up to now and winning the tiebreak against her gave me confidence for this one. I didn’t want to play tiebreaks but this is my fate, and for the moment it’s going well” Divya added.

In a separate social media post by FIDE, Divya spoke about her mother and how her support has helped her go this deep in the tournament.

"She is the biggest support here. I don't think that I would have come this far without her. It's really nice to see somebody who's always cheering on you in your good times and bad times." - 🇮🇳 Divya Deshmukh on her mother

📷 Anna Shtourman/FIDE pic.twitter.com/Gotm7ENjPM

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) July 21, 2025

“She is the biggest support here. I don’t think that I would have come this far without her. It’s really nice to see somebody who’s always cheering on you in your good times and bad times.”