Koneru Humpy Becomes First Indian Woman In FIDE Women’s World Cup Semis

Making historic moves and making India proud has become a regular feat for the Indian chess players. Following suit, India’s woman grandmaster Koneru Humpy has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to enter the prestigious FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup semifinal. 

Humpy clinched her spot in the final four after drawing in the second game of the quarterfinal match against Song Yuxin of China. Humpy won the first game, playing herself in an advantageous position. The Indian grandmaster opted for a cautious approach, and eventually, Yuxin offered a draw that sealed Humpy’s historic achievement.

Humpy is set to face Lei Tingjie in the semifinal, while Tan Zhongyi awaits the winner of the Dronavalli Harika-Divya Deshmukh tiebreaker for the other semifinal. She won the first game of the two-game quarterfinal series in Batumi on Saturday night. In the historic quarterfinals, after a few minor inaccuracies, Humpy maintained control by opting for a safe and strategic approach. 

With at least one Indian player confirming a semifinal berth, India is assured of its participation in the next stage of the Women’s World Championship cycle. The top three finishers in the FIDE World Cup will automatically qualify for the Candidates Tournament, which is scheduled to be held later this year.