Daijiworld Media Network – Batumi
Batumi, Jul 23: In a landmark moment for Indian chess, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has become the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup. The 38-year-old achieved this historic feat in Batumi, Georgia, after drawing her quarterfinal second-leg game against China’s Song Yuxin, having secured victory in the first game.
Displaying calm and control, Humpy opted for a defensive approach in the second game. With Yuxin offering a draw, Humpy advanced to the final four in the elite knockout tournament that includes 107 of the world’s finest players, featuring 17 of the top 20 ranked women.
“It feels happy to qualify without playing tie-breaks,” Humpy said. “I felt I could have played much better today. I was in a good position but slipped in time trouble.”
A chess prodigy from Andhra Pradesh, Humpy began her journey at age five, inspired by her father’s love for the game. Her father, a former professor and state champion, left his job to coach her full-time. By six, she was dominating district tournaments, clinching her first national title at eight. She went on to win multiple age-group championships and two World Youth titles — Under-10 in 1997 and Under-12 in 1998.
Humpy's latest milestone adds yet another chapter to her illustrious career and stands as a proud moment for Indian chess.