The Wonder girl, Divya Deshmukh clinched gold at the World Cadets Chess Championship in Pocos de Caldas, Brazil. The chess queen collected a score of 9.5 points in the U-12 girls' category. Earlier, she entered the championship as a third seed. However, this 1993 Elo rated Nagpur master flew high with eight games wins and three rounds draws for the triumph.
Divya maintained her unbeaten performance in the 11-day championship. As a result, she was tagged Orange City's youngest Women Fide Master (WFM) and brought home India’s only medal.
To end India’s medal drought in the games, the 11-year-old knocked down the top seeded Rakshitta Ravi.
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The Sicilian defence game, even though was in favour of both the players, we saw an equally fought battle. Both the top seeded opted for with Fianchetto variation. For the most part both were equally determined to win the final round, signing the peace treaty in a mere 25 moves. However, at the end, Divya clinched the moment of joy.
Secretary of All India Chess Federation (AICF) Bharat Singh Chauhan applauded Divya's performance saying, "Divya gave a very wonderful performance in Brazil. It is very good that Divya is doing really well not only in this World meet but she has been giving consistent performance since last some years. She has got a very bright future. I have expected more medals from the Indian contingent," Chauhan told TOI.
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"At the AICF our focus is on the youth as they are our future and we always look to provide as much support to the youngsters as we can. I am very much thankful to the Government for funding the trip of this 20-member Indian contingent," he added.
Divya first won by beating Uzbekistan's Maftuna Bobomurodova in 38 moves, advancing herself of a silver medal.
There were 20 participants representing the country in the six events. Out of which Divya is the only one to clinch a medal.
Divya credited school authorities, parents and coach Chennai-based Grandmaster RB Ramesh for the success.
Feature Image Credit: Delhi Chess Association
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