- July 10, 2025
FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup: Humpy, Harika Advance; Vaishali, Divya Also Through
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Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy advanced to the third round of the FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup in Baku, securing a draw with Afruza Khamdamova.
Indian GM Koneru Humpy (PTI)
Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy comfortably advanced to the third round of the FIDE Women’s World Chess Cup in Baku on Thursday after securing a straightforward draw with Uzbekistan’s Afruza Khamdamova. With this result, Humpy won her mini-match 1.5-0.5 to move into the last 32.
Humpy Cruises with Efficient Draw
Playing with the white pieces, Humpy maintained control throughout and opted for a pragmatic draw, conserving energy for the tougher battles ahead. The seasoned Grandmaster showcased her class without taking any unnecessary risks, wrapping up the match in clinical fashion.
Harika Outplays Nandhidhaa in All-Indian Clash
Fellow Indian D Harika also progressed to the next round, overcoming compatriot P V Nandhidhaa. With a 1-0 lead heading into the second classical game, Harika remained solid, needing only a draw to advance. Nandhidhaa, in a must-win situation, pushed aggressively with the white pieces, but Harika kept her composure, neutralized the attack, and sealed her place in the last 32.
A two-time bronze medallist in the tournament, Harika’s experience showed as she handled the pressure with ease, eventually becoming the third Indian to qualify for the next round. Nandhidhaa became the second Indian to exit the event after Kiran Manisha Mohanty.
Vaishali, Divya Shine; Priyanka Forces Tiebreak
R Vaishali added to India’s success by defeating Ouellet Maili-Jade of Canada, registering a convincing 1.5-0.5 match win. Young GM Divya Deshmukh also impressed, dispatching Georgia’s Kesaria Mgeladze to progress smoothly.
K Priyanka, who surprised many with her first-round performance, held Klaudia Kulon of Poland to a second consecutive draw. With the match tied 1-1, she heads into Friday’s tiebreak with hopes of another upset.
Vantika, Ushenina Set for Decider
Vantika Agrawal experienced a roller-coaster day. After stunning former world champion Anna Ushenina of Ukraine in the first game, she lost the second as the veteran bounced back to even the match. The duo will now face off in the tiebreaks, where Vantika will aim to recapture her opening-round brilliance.
(with PTI inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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