In the world of chess, a new star has risen. Divya Deshmukh, an 18-year-old International Master (IM) from India, has clinched the title at the World Junior Girls Chess Championship 2024.
Divya Deshmukh’s unbeaten run in the tournament
The championship, held in Gandhinagar, saw Divya’s triumphant victory over Bulgarian Grand Master Beloslava Krasteva in the final round. This victory was not just a personal achievement for Divya, but also a proud moment for India, marking its presence on the global chess stage.
Divya’s journey to the top was nothing short of remarkable. She remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing her strategic acumen and resilience. Her consistent performance against a pool of 101 players from 27 countries is a testament to her skill and determination.
Before the final round, Divya had defeated fellow Indian Sachi Jain, taking her tally to nine points. She held a half-point lead over Armenia’s Mariam Mkrtchyan, keeping her at the forefront of the competition.
🇮🇳 IM Divya Deshmukh wins her game and becomes the 2024 FIDE World U20 Girls Chess Champion! 👑 pic.twitter.com/WFYO03cEae
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) June 13, 2024
Divya’s victory is not just about the title; it’s about the journey, the hard work, and the passion for the game. Her entry into the world of chess happened quite by accident. As a young girl, she was too small to hold a badminton racquet, so she joined a chess class that was happening downstairs. This seemingly small decision turned out to be a life-changing one, setting her on the path to becoming a world champion.
Her performance at the World Junior Girls’ Chess Championship has been stellar, and she continues to be a player to watch in the world of chess.
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