Divya Deshmukh Shocks World Champion Ju Wenjun as Magnus Carlsen Faces Defeat at Norway Chess

Divya Deshmukh Stuns World Champion Ju Wenjun in Norway Chess Upset

OSLO: In a stunning display of skill and strategy, 20-year-old Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh delivered a shocking blow to reigning women’s world champion Ju Wenjun during the opening round of the Norway Chess tournament on Monday. Deshmukh’s victory not only showcased her remarkable talent but also reignited hopes for her compatriot R Vaishali, who is set to challenge Wenjun for the title early next year.

Deshmukh, who previously played a pivotal role in Vaishali’s success at the Women’s World Championship Candidates tournament by drawing with Bibisara Assaubayeva, continued her impressive run by outmaneuvering Wenjun in an Armageddon game. The match began with a classical phase where Wenjun, a seasoned competitor, appeared to have the upper hand. However, a critical oversight allowed Deshmukh to launch a well-disguised attack on Wenjun’s unprotected queen, leading to the reigning champion’s resignation.

“I just focused on my game and tried to stay calm,” Deshmukh said after her victory. “It feels amazing to win against such a strong player.”

Meanwhile, Indian chess sensation D Gukesh also made headlines, defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer in his Armageddon match. Gukesh, known for his exuberant celebrations, was seen pumping his fist in triumph after the match, a gesture that has become his signature move. The classical game between the two lasted an exhausting 145 moves, with Gukesh demonstrating remarkable resilience in a challenging queen endgame.

In contrast, the day was less favorable for former world champion Humpy Koneru, who fell to Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva after miscalculating a defensive move. The pressure from Assaubayeva proved too much for Humpy, marking a disappointing start to her campaign.

Adding to the drama, Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world champion, faced a challenging day as well, losing his classical game. The Norwegian chess icon, who has been a dominant force in the chess world, found himself shaken by the unexpected turn of events.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Deshmukh and Gukesh, whose performances have not only elevated their profiles but also brought renewed excitement to the chess community. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the Norway Chess tournament promises to deliver more thrilling moments in the days to come.

(The journalist is in Oslo on the invitation of Norway Chess.)