Humpy, Divya play out draw in Game 1 of FIDE Women’s World Cup final

Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh drew Game 1 of the FIDE Women’s World Cup final in Batumi after a tense three-hour battle. Humpy, who initially struggled, fought back to level the game. Game 2 will be played on Sunday.

HYDERABAD: Former World rapid champion Koneru Humpy and emerging star Divya Deshmukh settled for a draw in Game 1 of the FIDE women’s World Cup final at Batumi (Georgia) on Saturday night.

The young Divya showed her class with early advantage in the game which lasted three hours with some creative play with white pieces before Humpy drew from her experience to fight her way back into the game.

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With two-time world rapid champion Humpy exerting pressure, Divya slipped into a time scramble with her trademark calculated moves, particularly with her Queen and Rooks.

Humpy pushed for a draw through three-fold repetition as the tie headed into the end 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.

“I agree [I came out of a very complicated position]. It was quite a complex game. I knew I was out of danger after h5 [16th move]. I think
she just prepared based on my game which I played earlier. I misplayed in the opening, and she got a big advantage. It was not too risky for her to not take the draw in that first scenario,” said Humpy after the game.

The second game of the final will happen on Sunday, with Humpy wielding the white pieces. The tiebreaks are scheduled for Monday, if needed.

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