Divya Deshmukh continued her stellar performance on the second day at 5th Tata Steel Chess India rapid by winning all the three rounds played today. At the end of day, Divya finished with 5.5 points. She is closely followed by reigning world champion Ju Wenjun who finished with 4 points followed by Polina Shuvalova with 3.5 points.
RAPID: Round 4
IM Divya Deshmukh picked up from where she left off as she began day 2 with a victory over GM Irina Krush with the white pieces. The reigning Asian Champion was in complete control throughout the game, making the most of her tightly coordinated pieces. Overnight joint leader, IM Vantika Agrawal suffered her first defeat at the hands of World Champion, GM Ju Wenjun. Young Savitha Shri notched up her first win of the event, overcoming GM Nino Batsiashvili IM Polina Shuvalova made a good start to the day with a win over GM Koneru Humpy.
Round 5
Divya Deshmukh continued her fine form with a victory fellow compatriot, Savitha Shri. GM Irina Krush won her game against IM Vantika Agrawal with the white pieces. GM Anna Ushenina won her game against GM Nino Batsiashvili handing the Georgian a second consecutive defeat. Top Indian GMs Harika Dronavalli and GM Koneru Humpy faced off in a level contest that ended in a draw.
Round 6
There’s no stopping for Divya Deshmukh as she makes it a perfect 3/3 on day 2 after battling past IM Vantika Agrawal. Deshmukh dominated the board and eventually capitalized on a huge queen blunder by her opponent which led to Agrawal’s immediate resignation.
GM Koneru Humpy finally brought up her first win of the Tata Steel Chess 2023 against GM Nino Batsiashvili. The Indian no. 1 pounced on the opportunity presented and made complete use of her advanced pawn to force the matters in her favour. GM Harika Dronavalli drew her game against GM Ju Wenjun after having great chances at one point. GM Irina Krush played out a draw against IM Polina Shuvalova after the two players repeated moves a few moves out of the opening.
