In a defining moment for Indian chess,19-year-old Divya Deshmukh scripted history by becoming the first Indian ever to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating her compatriot and veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in a gripping final on Monday.

The intense all-Indian clash came down to the wire after the classical games ended in a 1-1 draw. With the World Cup title on the line, the two faced off in the rapid tiebreaks, two 10-minute games with a 10-second increment per move.

Having won the coin toss the night before, Divya chose to start the first tiebreak with the white pieces. While she couldn't capitalise on the slight edge that white pieces usually provide, the youngster showed maturity by holding her nerve and opting for a draw.

The second rapid game began in a similar fashion, tense, balanced, and headed toward another draw. But everything changed on move 40. In a surprising twist, Humpy made a rare and costly blunder, giving Divya the opening she needed. The teenager seized the moment with remarkable precision, launching a sharp attack that kept the veteran on the defensive for the rest of the game.

Despite a gritty fightback, Humpy couldn’t recover. After 75 intense moves, she was forced to resign, sealing a 2.5-1.5 victory for Divya Deshmukh in the final scoreline. Along with the coveted trophy, Divya also takes home $50,000 in prize money, adding another feather to her already impressive young career. Her victory not only marks a personal triumph but also signals a new era in Indian women’s chess.

Divya’s World Cup win and her newly minted status as India’s 88th Grandmaster have etched her name into the annals of Indian sporting glory. Her poise under pressure and fearless approach on the board have made her an inspiration for a new generation of chess players.