Exciting Start to 2025 Pune FIDE Women’s Grand Prix: Four Decisive Games in Round 1

The 2025 Pune FIDE Women’s Grand Prix kicked off with a bang as four decisive games took place in the first round on Monday. Grandmaster Zhu Jiner, International Masters Polina Shuvalova, Divya Deshmukh, and Batkhuyag Munguntuul emerged victorious against tough opponents in a thrilling start to the tournament.

The all-Indian clash between Grandmasters Vaishali Rameshbabu and Humpy Koneru ended in a draw, adding to the excitement of the opening round. The action-packed games set the stage for an intense competition as round two is set to begin on Tuesday, April 15.

The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in Pune is the fifth leg of a series of six events taking place between 2024 and 2025. Players are vying for a maximum of 130 points and a prize of €18,000 ($18,900), with the top two players at the end of the series qualifying for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Zhu Jiner, who tied for first place in the previous Grand Prix in Cyprus, started strong in Pune with a convincing win over GM Harika Dronavalli. Shuvalova also showcased her skills by defeating Kashlinskaya in a long and tough battle. Meanwhile, Divya Deshmukh and Batkhuyag Munguntuul secured victories in their respective games to make their mark in the tournament.

The tournament promises more thrilling encounters as the top players battle it out for supremacy. Fans can catch all the action on Chess.com India’s YouTube channel and follow the games on the dedicated event page. With intense competition and high stakes, the 2025 Pune FIDE Women’s Grand Prix is set to be a riveting event for chess enthusiasts worldwide.