Divya Deshmukh Holds D Gukesh to Draw in Thrilling Six-Hour Encounter

In a captivating showdown at the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, Indian chess player Divya Deshmukh held reigning World Champion D Gukesh to a draw after an intense six-hour match. The encounter, which spanned 103 moves, showcased both players’ strategic prowess, ultimately concluding in a rook-and-knight versus rook endgame.

The match took place on Friday, and it was a significant clash between two prominent figures in Indian chess. Currently, Deshmukh leads the tournament with 4 points, while Gukesh follows closely with 3.5 points. This match was particularly noteworthy as it pitted the Women’s World Cup winner against the youngest-ever FIDE World Champion, who claimed the title in December 2022 after defeating Ding Liren in Singapore.

As the game progressed, Gukesh initially appeared to hold the upper hand with his rook and knight combination. Despite this advantage, Deshmukh displayed remarkable defensive skills, thwarting Gukesh’s attempts to secure a victory. The match could have ended in a draw earlier, but Gukesh pressed on, hoping to capitalize on his advantageous position. Ultimately, he opted to offer a draw, which Deshmukh accepted, reflecting her tenacity and strategic depth throughout the game.

Deshmukh’s defense was particularly impressive. At one point, she allowed Gukesh to capture a knight for a pawn on move 55, resulting in a material imbalance with Gukesh holding a rook and knight against Deshmukh’s rook and pawn. Despite this, Deshmukh managed to keep the game alive, demonstrating her capability and resilience under pressure.

Gukesh’s recent performance has raised eyebrows, as he has suffered three consecutive losses in the ongoing tournament, a stark contrast to the major victories he achieved earlier this year, including a notable win against World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. His current struggles highlight the increased pressure he faces as a champion, with opponents now more determined to challenge his title.

On the other hand, Deshmukh’s recent success includes her triumph over Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final at the Women’s Chess World Cup, solidifying her status as one of India’s top players. This victory also marked her ascension to becoming India’s 88th Grandmaster and the fourth Indian woman to achieve this title. Moreover, Deshmukh has qualified for the upcoming Candidates Tournament, further elevating her profile in the chess community.

As the FIDE Grand Swiss progresses, both players will be looking to leverage their experiences from this match in their future games. For Deshmukh, this draw against Gukesh serves as a significant milestone, reinforcing her position within the elite ranks of international chess. Meanwhile, Gukesh aims to regain his momentum as he navigates the challenges posed by the tournament’s competitive landscape.