Indian chess sensation Divya Deshmukh, an 18-year-old International Master, achieved a remarkable victory at the FIDE World U20 Girls Chess Championship held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. She secured the title with a dominant performance, scoring 10 points out of a possible 11. Her decisive victory came in the final round against Bulgarian Grandmaster Beloslava Krasteva, where she played with the white pieces.
Deshmukh’s journey to the championship included pivotal wins throughout the tournament, notably against Sachi Jain in the penultimate round. Her strategic prowess and ability to handle pressure were evident throughout, culminating in her undefeated run and her second consecutive major title, following her earlier triumph at the Sharjah Challengers in May.
In her post-tournament remarks to PTI, Deshmukh highlighted her growth in managing pressure and enhancing her overall game. Her achievement also solidifies her position at the top of the FIDE Ratings for junior girls, showcasing her consistency and skill on the global chess stage.
The competition, which featured 101 players from 27 nations, concluded with Deshmukh’s stellar performance, reinforcing India’s strong presence in international chess. Her success not only brings personal accolades but also underscores the depth of talent emerging from India in the world of chess.
