Nagpur’s Divya Deshmukh Wins World Junior Girls Chess Championship 2024 Title

Nagpur’s International Master (IM) Divya Deshmukh has emerged victorious, adding another prestigious title to her name by winning the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship 2024. This monumental win, held at the Gift City Club in Gandhinagar, saw the talented 18-year-old triumph over Grand Master Beloslava Krasteva of Bulgaria in the final round. Her exceptional performance in the tournament further solidifies her standing in the world of chess.

Divya Deshmukh’s Journey to the Top

A Determined Champion

Divya Deshmukh’s determination and hard work have been key factors in her success. She expressed her joy after winning the championship, stating, “I was determined to win the World Junior Championship. I had prepared well for the competition and my hard work paid off.” Her recent victory at the Sharjah Challengers in Sharjah was a testament to her continuous effort and focus.

Unbeaten Streak

Divya’s performance in the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship was nothing short of spectacular. She remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, finishing with 10 points out of a possible 11. This included nine wins and two draws, demonstrating her dominance and consistency.

Strong Competition

The championship saw participation from over 100 players representing 27 countries. Despite the tough competition, Divya’s strategic gameplay and unwavering focus helped her maintain the lead from start to finish.

The Final Rounds

Dominant Performance

Divya’s lead was evident after seven rounds, where she was half a point ahead of Mariam Mkrtchyan of Armenia. Her penultimate round victory against fellow Indian Sachi Jain further secured her position at the top.

A Memorable Tournament

For Divya, this tournament was particularly special. It marked her maiden World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship title, a milestone in her already impressive career. Her parents, Dr. Jitendra and Namrata, surely take immense pride in their daughter’s accomplishments.

The Advantage of Playing at Home

Home Ground Advantage

Playing in Gandhinagar provided Divya with the comfort of being at home. She acknowledged the advantage but also highlighted the challenges, stating, “Yes, playing at home is always helpful but yes I had to fight for this crown.”

Building Confidence

Divya’s confidence soared after her victory in the sixth round against WIM Allahverdiyeva Ayan of Azerbaijan. This win boosted her morale and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

The Final Showdown

Starting Strong

In the final round, Divya, playing with white pieces, started brilliantly. Her Queen Pawn opening set the stage for a better middle game against Beloslava Krasteva.

Strategic Gameplay

Divya’s constant pressure weakened her opponent’s pawn structure. In the ensuing Queen and Rook endgame, Divya secured a pawn, making Krasteva’s king vulnerable. This tactical play led to a winning position, forcing the Bulgarian to concede.

Joining the Elite

Historic Achievement

Divya Deshmukh’s victory places her among the elite group of Indian women chess players who have won the Under-20 world titles. She is now the fourth Indian woman to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Koneru Humpy (2001), Dronavalli Harika (2008), and Soumya Swaminathan (2009).

Divya Deshmukh’s triumph at the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship 2024 is a testament to her dedication, skill, and strategic prowess. Her unbeaten run and exceptional performance have not only brought pride to Nagpur but also to India. As she continues to rise in the world of chess, her future looks incredibly bright.

1. Who is Divya Deshmukh?

Divya Deshmukh is an 18-year-old International Master from Nagpur, India, who recently won the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship 2024.

2. How did Divya Deshmukh perform in the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship 2024?

Divya Deshmukh remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, finishing with 10 points out of a possible 11, including nine wins and two draws.

3. Who did Divya Deshmukh defeat in the final round of the championship?

Divya Deshmukh defeated Grand Master Beloslava Krasteva of Bulgaria in the final round to win the championship.

4. What other notable achievement did Divya Deshmukh recently accomplish?

Divya Deshmukh recently won the Sharjah Challengers in Sharjah before her victory at the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship 2024.

5. Who are the other Indian women chess players who have won the Under-20 world titles?

The other Indian women chess players who have won the Under-20 world titles are Koneru Humpy (2001), Dronavalli Harika (2008), and Soumya Swaminathan (2009).