FIDE Women’s World Cup: Koneru Humpy, Divya draw opening game of Semis

BATUMI: Grandmaster Koneru Humpy played confidently with the black pieces, securing a steady draw against China’s Tingjie Lei in the opening game of the FIDE Women’s World Cup semifinals in Batumi, Georgia. Meanwhile, Divya Deshmukh showcased remarkable defensive resilience, holding former women’s world champion Zhongyi Tan to a draw and keeping India's hopes alive in the prestigious tournament.

With two Indians and two Chinese making up the final-four, the Asian dominance in women's chess remains undisputed. But it's now a battle of nerves for the final two spots.

From the look of it, the two Indians have had a great beginning drawing with black and in the return game both will play as white. If the results remain tied then the games of shorter duration will be played to determine the winner. Also, three spots are up for grabs for the next Women's Candidates Tournament -- ensuring at least one Indian will qualify.

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