'Divya was actually saving nine seconds,' says Pravin Thipsay after FIDE Women’s World Cup final

Nagpur-based Deshmukh became only the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster. Deshmukh’s highest career triumph came after the first two classical games (played on Saturday and Sunday) ended in draws. In the time-controlled tie-breaker, Deshmukh, playing with white, was again held to a draw. However, in the reverse game, while playing with black pieces, she managed to overcome two-time World Rapid Champion Humpy 2.5-1.5.

Pravin Thipsay

Former national champion and Arjuna awardee Thipsay reckoned that young Deshmukh’s better pace helped her beat Humpy in the decider. “A player gets 10 seconds to play each move [in the tie-breaker], but Divya was actually saving nine seconds by making her moves quickly. After 13-14 moves, Humpy had eight minutes remaining, while Divya had 16 minutes and 32 seconds. The shorter duration may have prompted Humpy to take a risk, which Divya capitalised on,” Thipsay told mid-day on Monday.

Before the World Cup though, Thipsay admitted that Humpy’s experience gave her the edge. “Before the start of the World Cup, Humpy’s ranking was fifth, while Divya was 15th. So, realistically there was not much expectation from Divya initially, but when she stunned [higher-ranked Chinese GM] Zhu Jiner [in the pre-quarters], that’s when I felt she could emerge champion,” said Thipsay, adding that young Deshmukh’s strong character also played a vital role in helping her overcome Humpy’s experience.

“Garry Kasparov’s coach Mikhail Botvinnik, who was five-time World Champion, said that if a player aims to succeed in chess, he should have 25 per cent natural ability. Another 25 per cent is about how you study the game and work hard, the third quarter is about how you maintain your health and the last, but most importantly, he mentioned it’s about the player’s character.  Not everyone becomes a champion given the glorious uncertainty of sport, but a player’s strong character surely helps, and I felt Divya has that quality. She prepared well ahead of the tournament and was very composed and comfortable throughout. Her concentration level is very high and always maintains focus on particular moves. Even after making a mistake, she has the ability to recover quickly which is a trait shared by [five-time World Champion] Viswanathan Anand and [Grandmaster] Arjun Erigaisi,” Thipsay explained.

‘She can be world champion’

Thipsay wants Deshmukh to target next year’s all-important FIDE World Championship (dates and venue are yet to be decided). “Divya should aim to become world champion among women in 2026. I believe she’s still not a sponsored player, while most others are. So, someone should come forward to sponsor her. She needs to take individual coaching from strong players like Anand or Boris Gelfand [six-time World Championship candidate],” he concluded.

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