ircrehab.com – News Features & Broad Perspectives

Divya Deshmukh, India's 19-year-old Grandmaster, has received a wild card entry into the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa after a last-minute withdrawal. She will join 20 other Indian players, including world champion D Gukesh, in the knockout tournament. The biennial event features 206 top players, with the top three finishers qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 witnessed Anish Giri's triumph and Vaishali Rameshbabu's repeat victory, alongside Matthias Bluebaum's unexpected Candidates qualification. Despite Gukesh Dommaraju's stumble, the event highlighted India's mixed fortunes and the rise of young talents like America's Abhimanyu Mishra. Divya Deshmukh's fearless performance in the Open section also underscored the growing strength of women in chess, inspiring future participation.

R Vaishali defended her FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title in 2025, securing a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. She finished with 8 points after drawing against Tan Zhongyi. Vaishali joins Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh as the third Indian woman to qualify for the Candidates, marking a significant achievement for Indian women's chess.

Gukesh D and Divya Deshmukh drew in a lengthy endgame, while Nihal Sarin secured a quick draw, sharing the lead in the FIDE Grand Swiss. R Vaishali lost her lead in the women's section after a defeat, and Vidit Gujrathi was also defeated. Kateryna Lagno now leads the women's section with 6.5 points, holding a half-point advantage.

Facing Amin’s king’s pawn opening, Divya Deshmukh responded with the Sicilian Defence, steering the battle into the sharp Nyezhmetdinov-Rossolimo Attack territory. The Egyptian pressed early, but as the game wore on, the momentum began shifting.

Indian Grand Master Divya Deshmukh is participating in the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament in Samarkand. Despite an opening round defeat by her mentor Abhimanyu Puranik, the 19-year-old rebounded with a draw against Alexander Donchenko. Divya emphasizes learning over winning, stating that losses against strong players provide valuable lessons.

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand will feature World Champion D Gukesh and Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, alongside a strong Indian contingent. Gukesh aims to maintain momentum, while Deshmukh seeks to test herself against top players. With Candidates spots and significant prize money at stake, the tournament promises intense competition and a showcase of India's chess talent.

A video shows a Chinese man analysing his chess loss in the rain. Grandmaster Hans Niemann shared a similar experience. Anish Giri joked about his rain-free victory. Niemann criticised the American chess system, praising India's support for players. Divya Deshmukh received a Rs 3 crore prize for her chess achievements. Chess passion continues to inspire globally.

India’s Divya Deshmukh sparked laughs with her “No jeans!” rule-change joke, recalling Magnus Carlsen’s 2024 dress code controversy. Carlsen famously refused to change his Corneliani jeans, was fined, and later auctioned them for $36,100. Proceeds went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, turning a quirky chess moment into a powerful charitable milestone.

A grandmaster chess tournament in New Delhi emphasises silence and concentration, contrasting sharply with the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, where spectators reacted boisterously to moves. Players expressed frustration with the distractions caused by the live audience, questioning whether chess is truly ready for such an environment.