Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy Clinches Second World Rapid Chess Title

This win comes amidst a landmark year for Indian chess, following D Gukesh's sensational victory over China's Ding Liren.

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has achieved a historic second FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship title, defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in a thrilling finale. Her triumph highlights a golden year for Indian chess, building on D Gukesh’s Classical World Championship victory and double golds at the Chess Olympiad.

Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy scripted a glorious chapter in Indian chess history by claiming her second FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship title in a dramatic victory over Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar. The event, held on Sunday, December 29, saw Humpy outperform stiff competition, including China’s Ju Wenjun and Russia’s Kateryna Lagno, to cement her legacy as one of the greats. She now joins Ju Wenjun as the only players to have won the championship multiple times.

This win comes amidst a landmark year for Indian chess, following D Gukesh’s sensational victory over China’s Ding Liren at the Classical World Championship in Singapore and India’s unprecedented double gold in the Open and Women’s categories at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest this September.

Despite a rocky start to the tournament, where she suffered a first-round defeat, the 37-year-old Humpy displayed remarkable tenacity. A decisive victory in the final round elevated her to 8.5 points, finishing half a point ahead of a competitive field, including compatriot D Harika. Ju Wenjun secured second place through tie-break calculations, while Kateryna Lagno claimed third.

“This victory is quite unexpected because I’ve had a tough year with poor performances, often ending last,” said an emotional Humpy. “To become a World Champion at 37, while balancing family responsibilities, is challenging but deeply rewarding.” She credited her parents for their unwavering support, especially in helping care for her daughter during tournaments.

In the Open section, 18-year-old Russian Grandmaster Volodar Murzin stole the spotlight by defeating a star-studded field. His defining moment came in the penultimate round, where he capitalized on a blunder by India’s R Praggnanandhaa to seal his lead. Murzin ended the tournament with 10 points, with compatriots Alexander Grischuk and Ian Nepomniachtchi trailing close behind at 9.5 points each.

Looking ahead, Humpy expressed optimism about the future of Indian chess. “This win will inspire many youngsters to pursue chess professionally. With Gukesh as the Classical World Champion and my title in the rapid format, I believe Indian chess is on the brink of a new golden era.”

Humpy’s triumph reaffirms her as an enduring force in international chess and a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of players in India and beyond.

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