Humpy Koneru Wins Pune Women’s Grand Prix in Dramatic Finish

Humpy Koneru Takes the Crown in Pune

Indian chess star Humpy Koneru has emerged victorious in the 2025 Pune FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, securing a thrilling win over IM Nurgyul Salimova in the final round. Koneru finished with a perfect 7/9 score, matching her rival Zhu Jiner, but took the top spot thanks to a superior tiebreaker.

A Tie for the Ages

Both Koneru and Zhu Jiner ended the tournament with an impressive 7 points each, earning them a share of the €15,500 prize money and 117.5 Grand Prix points. Divya Deshmukh secured the third-place finish with 5.5 points, a full point ahead of Harika Dronavalli and Polina Shuvalova who tied for fourth.

Koneru’s Dominant Performance

Koneru’s victory wasn’t just a lucky draw; she dominated the final round, demonstrating superior preparation and tactical brilliance against Salimova. The game, which lasted 84 moves, saw Koneru gradually build an advantage, eventually securing a decisive win in a knight endgame.

Zhu’s Strong Showing

While Zhu Jiner missed out on the top spot, her performance was equally impressive. She secured six wins throughout the tournament, showcasing her attacking prowess. In the final round, she faced a tough opponent in Shuvalova but managed to equalize quickly and eventually emerge victorious in a rook and knight endgame.

The Road to Candidates

This victory puts Koneru in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. However, the competition is fierce, with players like Anna Muzychuk and Tan Zhongyi still in contention. Zhu Jiner also remains a strong contender, with one Grand Prix event remaining.

A Thrilling Finish

The 2025 Pune FIDE Women’s Grand Prix was a thrilling tournament filled with exciting matches and dramatic finishes. As the series heads towards its final event in Vienna, the race for the Candidates spots is heating up, promising an unforgettable climax to the season.