Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy won the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship in a thrilling finale in New York on December 28, 2024.
This is the second time Koneru Humpy has clinched the title.
A thrilling final
Starting the final day with a strong performance, she was among the top contenders but not the clear favorite. The tournament was a rollercoaster of dramatic chess moves and strategic battles.
The championship saw last year’s runner-up Koneru Humpy face off against some of the world’s best female chess players, including previous champion Ju Wenjun of China and Russian GM Kateryna Lagno, who were all in contention for the top spot until the very end.
Ms. Humpy’s strategy in the final game involved a tactical stroke that led to a winning position, showcasing her exceptional ability in rapid Chess, where every second counts.
Koneru Humpy’s decisive moment came in the 11th round when she defeated Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar with the black pieces, clinching the title with a score of 8.5 out of 11 points.
Here’s the winning moment.
Congratulations pour in
Judit Polgar, considered by many to be the best female Chess player of all time, congratulated Koneru Humpy on the victory.
Indian Chess great Viswanathan Anand showered praise.
A comeback story
Koneru Humpy became a Grandmaster in 2002, the youngest woman to have achieved the title at the time.
The latest victory marks a significant moment for Koneru Humpy, who had previously claimed the same championship in 2019 against Lei Tingjie in Moscow.
Her journey back to the top has been remarkable, especially considering her two-year hiatus from professional Chess following her becoming a mother in 2016.
Since returning to the circuit, Ms. Humpy has not only maintained her competitive edge but has also added to her legacy in the chess world.
Looking forward
With this title under her belt, Ms. Humpy’s focus might now turn towards the classical chess format, where she has long aspired to become world champion.
Her performance in rapid Chess, where the pressure of time adds another layer of complexity, suggests she remains a formidable contender in any chess format.
A great year for Indian Chess
Koneru Humpy’s win not only adds to her personal achievements but also shines a spotlight on Indian Chess in a year that has already seen significant successes, including D. Gukesh’s historic win in the Chess World Championship. Her victory underscores the depth of talent in Indian Chess and continues to inspire a new generation of chess players in the country.