Divya Deshmukh Becomes 1st Teenager To Qualify For Candidates In 34 Years

Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old from Nagpur entered history books as she became the first teenager in over three decades to move into the final of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025. Deshmukh got the better of China’s Zhu Jiner, compatriot Harika Dronavalli and Zhongyi Tan of China en route to the summit clash.

Divya Deshmukh etched her name in the long annals of Indian chess history as she moved into the final of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025. (X)

Deshmukh became the first teenager in over three decades to secure a place in the summit clash of the prestigious event. (X)