Exciting Advances in the 2026 Women’s Speed Chess Championship: Divya Deshmukh and Bibisara Assaubayeva Reach Quarterfinals!

Divya Deshmukh and Bibisara Assaubayeva Dominate in 2026 Women’s Speed Chess Championship

July 7, 2026 — In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, favorites GM Divya Deshmukh and GM Bibisara Assaubayeva advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Speed Chess Championship on Friday. The two chess titans showcased their prowess, losing only a single game between them.

Divya Deshmukh delivered an astonishing performance against IM Rose Atwell, finishing the match with an undefeated score of 14-1. Meanwhile, Assaubayeva faced WGM Afruza Khamdamova, securing a solid victory of 10.5-3.5, with just one loss marring her otherwise stellar play.

Match Highlights: Divya vs. Atwell

Divya’s match against Atwell was nothing short of spectacular. She earned a whopping $2,900 for her efforts, while Atwell took home $100 based on her win percentage.

5+1 Segment: Divya kicked off the match with a flawless 5-0 lead in the first segment. Her tactical brilliance was on full display as she capitalized on Atwell’s mistakes, including a pivotal moment where a misplayed Queen’s Gambit allowed Divya to seize control.

3+1 Segment: Continuing her dominance, Divya maintained her momentum, finishing this segment with another 5-0 sweep. Her strategic prowess was evident as she turned the tide in a seemingly lost position, showcasing her ability to thrive under pressure.

1+1 Segment: Divya wrapped up the match with a 4-1 score in the final segment, demonstrating her resilience and skill. Throughout the match, she maintained a light-hearted demeanor, often bobbing her head to Indian music, which she credited for keeping her focused.

Assaubayeva vs. Khamdamova

In a match that saw Assaubayeva exhibit her trademark calmness, she ended with a 10.5-3.5 victory over Khamdamova. Earning $1,125, Assaubayeva’s performance was marked by strategic depth and tactical precision.

5+1 Segment: Assaubayeva started strong, ending the first segment with a 3.5-1.5 lead. Despite Khamdamova’s early pressure, Assaubayeva’s ability to capitalize on mistakes proved decisive.

3+1 Segment: The Kazakh star continued her winning streak, finishing this segment with a 4-1 score. Her ability to exploit her opponent’s blunders, particularly in the second game, showcased her experience and tactical acumen.

1+1 Segment: Assaubayeva concluded the match without dropping another game, winning two and drawing two. Her confidence grew as she navigated the final games, ultimately converting a pawn advantage into a decisive victory.

Looking Ahead

The quarterfinals promise to be an exciting showdown, with Divya and Assaubayeva set to face off in a highly anticipated match. Both players have a rich history, but Assaubayeva remains unfazed, treating it as “just another game.”

The 2026 Women’s Speed Chess Championship, running from July 6-31, features a $75,000 prize fund and showcases some of the strongest female chess players in the world. The next matches will take place on Monday, July 13, with women’s world number-one GM Hou Yifan facing IM Dinara Wagner, followed by IM Polina Shuvalova against Anastasia Avramidou.

As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await more thrilling chess action from these remarkable players.