Pune, April 22, 2025 — In a thrilling turn of events at the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2025 in Pune, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has taken the sole lead after a commanding victory over China’s Zhu Jiner in Round 7. The prestigious chess event, part of the 2024–2025 Grand Prix series, has seen stellar performances from top Indian players, signaling India’s growing dominance on the global chess stage.
Humpy Rises to the Top
Koneru Humpy, one of India’s most celebrated chess icons, now leads the standings with 5.5 points from 7 rounds. Her Round 7 win against Zhu Jiner not only broke the latter’s unbeaten streak but also placed Humpy firmly in the driver’s seat as the tournament heads into its final stages.
“It was a well-fought game, and taking the lead at this stage gives me confidence heading into the last two rounds,” said Humpy after her win.
Indian Talent Making Headlines
India’s young and dynamic players have also delivered powerful performances:
- IM Divya Deshmukh, just 18 years old, claimed her fourth victory by defeating Mongolia’s IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul. With 5 points, Divya is now tied for second place with Zhu Jiner, marking her as a serious title contender.
- GM Harika Dronavalli played a solid draw against Russia’s Polina Shuvalova, maintaining consistency throughout the tournament.
- GM R Vaishali, despite a tough earlier round loss to Zhu Jiner, continues to show resilience and determination, staying competitive in a strong field of international players.
Global Spotlight on India
The Pune leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of India’s rise in global chess. With a packed venue, strong international representation, and live broadcasts, the event is elevating the visibility of Indian chess talent on the world stage.
As the competition intensifies, the spotlight is firmly on whether Humpy can maintain her momentum and claim a Grand Prix title on home turf.