Koneru Humpy vs Divya Deshmukh: FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 final Game 1 ends in draw

India’s Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh played out a hard-fought draw in Game 1 of the FIDE Women’s World Cup final in Batumi, Georgia, on Saturday.

In a game which lasted over three hours, Divya held the early advantage before her experienced compatriot clawed her way back.

Soon, the 19-year-old Divya was forced into a time scramble as Humpy exerted pressure with some calculated moves.

Humpy pushed for a draw through three-fold repetition in the middle game. But, Divya refused the offer, as she altered her line.

But, soon after the 40-move mark was achieved, the two shook hands for a draw after another repetitive attack from Humpy. The second game of the final will happen on Sunday, with tiebreaks scheduled for Monday, if needed.

The third-placed playoff, between Chinese GMs Tan Zhongyi and Lei Tingjie too ended in a draw.