Women’s World Cup SF: Divya knocks out Tan, qualifies to Candidates Tournament

Divya Deshmukh became the first finalist of the Women’s World Cup after defeating Tan Zhongyi in a dramatic 101-move game, securing both a place in the final and qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The second semifinal between Humpy Koneru and Lei Tingjie ended in another draw after a complex rook endgame, and will be decided in tiebreaks on Thursday. The third-place match also offers a remaining spot in the Candidates. | Photo: Anna Shtourman / FIDE