A Marathon Battle Between Chess Titans

In an extraordinary chess duel at the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju was held to a hard-fought draw by India’s Women’s World Cup winner, Divya Deshmukh. The intense match stretched over six hours and lasted 103 moves, captivating chess fans worldwide on September 12, 2025. This enthralling contest was a rare sight, not only for its duration but for the tension it carried between two of India's brightest young prodigies.

Defying the Odds Against a Rating Gap

The draw was particularly remarkable given the 289 Elo rating point difference between the two players, with D Gukesh rated at 2767 and Divya at 2478. The contest culminated in a highly technical rook-and-knight versus rook endgame—a notoriously difficult theoretical position where the player with the extra knight has a material edge, yet the defending side can hold a draw with flawless play. Gukesh pushed hard with the material advantage, but Divya’s precise defence and mental endurance allowed her to neutralise his threats and hold the position steady.

Tactical Brilliance and Mental Fortitude

Gukesh tried relentlessly to break Divya’s defence, even delaying agreeing to a draw in hopes of capitalising on a mistake. Yet, Divya’s calm, resourceful play prevented any slipping moment across the 103 moves. Her resilience under pressure highlighted her exceptional endgame skills and strategic depth. Ultimately, it was Gukesh who offered the draw, which Divya accepted confidently.

This result marked a historic moment in Indian chess. Divya, building momentum from her Women’s World Cup victories, chose to compete in the tough Open section for a shot at the Candidates Tournament and a potential World Championship challenge. Holding the reigning world champion to a draw not only underscores her rapid rise in the chess world but also positions her ahead of Gukesh in the standings with 4 points after eight rounds—half a point more than the champion himself.

Context of the Tournament and Players’ Journey

While Gukesh has faced a challenging Grand Swiss with some losses and draws against prodigious opponents, Divya continues to impress as the second woman competing in the open category after Aleksandra Goryachkina. This game reinforced the evolving landscape of chess where gender distinctions blur at top-level events, and merit shines brightest. Both players demonstrated why they are among chess’s most exciting talents to watch.

Divya Deshmukh’s spectacular defence against World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in the six-hour marathon draw at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 is a testament to her growing stature—an inspiring narrative of grit, skill, and breaking new ground in competitive chess.

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