Competing in the open section, the young dynamo showcased exceptional skill and composure to defeat a much higher-rated opponent, marking her first major win in this elite field.

Indian chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh created quite a stir with her amazing upset at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025. Divya, who recently became a Grandmaster and won the Women’s World Cup, beat No. 1 African GM Bassem Amin in the Open section of the tournament, thus achieving her first win in this prestigious field.

Using the black pieces, Divya skillfully took advantage of the tactical imbalances. Moreover, Amin’s mid-game mistakes to force a winning position and confirm the win. This outcome is a very significant shot at her noteworthy career.

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Rising Above the Odds: A Win That Heralds a New Chess Power

At the age of 19, Divya has already achieved a triumphant feat. She was ranked as the 88th Grandmaster of India and became the fourth Indian female Chess player to get this rank after winning the Women’s World Cup earlier this year.

In Samarkand, as the only Indian female player in the Open category, she gave her most powerful performance. She defeated a much stronger, higher-rated player in Amin, who had over 158 rating points than her.

The victory beyond the technical triumph is a sign of change in the overall chess narrative. Divya is not only winning the women’s tournaments but also making a name in mixed-gender competitions.

This attitude, which is more about long-term growth than instant success, is the one that is behind her rapid rise.

Divya, with this victory, conveyed a strong signal to the chess world that she is one of the best and she has only just started to extend her territory. While the Grand Swiss is going on, everyone will be watching this young talent. It would be exciting to see that with such eagerness, how far she can go with her ambition and skill.