19-year-old Divya Deshmukh Defeats World Number 1

On June 16, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh defeated the world number 1 chess player Hou Yifan in the World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship. Divya, the world number 1 in the junior category, won three medals at the championship, including a silver in Rapid Chess and a bronze in Blitz.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Divya on her achievement. On the social platform X, PM Modi wrote: “Congratulations to Divya Deshmukh for defeating the world number 1 player Hou Yifan in the second stage of the Blitz semifinals of the World Team Blitz Championship in London. Her success reflects her patience and determination, inspiring many upcoming chess players.”

Victory Over Hou Yifan in London

In the second stage of the semifinals of the FIDE World Blitz Team Chess Championship held in London, Divya from Nagpur faced Hou Yifan. The match was played in the fastest format of chess and was as thrilling as the classical game recently played between world number 1 Magnus Carlsen and world champion D. Gukesh.

After winning Round 2, Divya played for the Hexmind Chess Club while Hou Yifan represented the WR Chess Team. Hou Yifan defeated Divya in the first stage, but Divya made a remarkable comeback in the second stage. Playing with the white pieces, Divya took early advantage and quickly gained control by making rapid moves.

Medals in Blitz and Rapid

Divya won the bronze medal in Blitz and the silver medal in Rapid. Individually, she received a silver medal in Rapid and a bronze medal in Blitz. She posted on social media: “World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship is over! Our team finished second in Rapid and third in Blitz.”