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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.

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.

At the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Indian chess presents a contrasting picture. Nihal Sarin shines, securing his third consecutive win and joining the lead. Meanwhile, World Champion D Gukesh struggles, losing his third straight game and risking a drop from the top 10. Despite Nihal's success, he humbly credits Viswanathan Anand and Gukesh for India's chess boom.

Teen chess prodigy GM Divya Deshmukh, after a shaky start at the Grand Swiss, stunned Africa's top-rated GM Bassem Amin. Playing with black, Divya showcased resilience in the Sicilian Defence, capitalising on Amin's aggressive play. Despite a challenging opening, she seized the initiative, converting a rook sacrifice into a decisive advantage.

Divya Deshmukh, after her Women's World Cup victory, revealed her mentors, Csaba Balogh and Abhimanyu Puranik. At the Grand Swiss 2025, Puranik, who had just enjoyed a Disneyland vacation, defeated his protégé, Divya. Puranik, a Mumbai-born Punekar, started chess at five and praised Divya's amazing mentality and potential for future dominance in Indian chess.

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.

A grandmaster chess tournament in New Delhi highlights the traditional, silent atmosphere of the game, contrasting sharply with a recent event in Las Vegas where live audiences roared at every move. Players express concerns about distractions caused by spectators, questioning whether chess is truly ready for a live audience setting.