India’s Koneru Humpy makes history by winning the Women’s Rapid Chess World Title.
NEW YORK, December 29, 2024 — Grandmaster Koneru Humpy concluded an outstanding year for Indian chess by defeating Irene Sukandar of Indonesia to become the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion on Sunday.
On the third day of the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship, four rounds were played in the Open tournament and three in the Women’s competition.
In the Women’s event, Koneru Humpy, India’s highest-rated female chess player, won her second World Rapid Championship title with a score of 8.5 out of 11. This victory adds to her previous title, which she won in Moscow in 2019.
In the final, 11th round of the tournament, there was a seven-way tie at the top, but Koneru emerged as the only player to secure a victory. Competing with the black pieces, she skillfully outmaneuvered Indonesia’s International Master, Irine Kharisma Sukandar, in a challenging endgame, claiming the title decisively.
Koneru’s journey to the top began quietly, scoring 2.5 points out of four on the first day. However, by the end of the second day, she had surged into a tie for first place alongside her compatriot Harika Dronavalli and reigning Classical World Champion Ju Wenjun from China.
The most critical phase followed, with only three rounds remaining. The final day of the Rapid tournament became a scramble for the top positions.
As the last round approached, an unprecedented seven-way tie emerged on the leaderboard. Alongside Koneru were Ju Wenjun, Harika Dronavalli, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Irine Kharisma Sukandar, and Uzbekistan’s Afruza Khamdamova, all vying for the title. Lagno, one of the pre-tournament favorites, had dealt a significant blow to former World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in round nine. At the same time, Khamdamova surprised Grandmaster Elisabeth Paehtz to join the leaders.
Amid expectations of tiebreaks, Koneru’s victory in the final round made them unnecessary. She finished with 8.5 points, securing clear first place, half a point ahead of six players who tied for second: Ju Wenjun, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Harika Dronavalli, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Afruza Khamdamova.
Koneru’s triumph further highlights the impressive achievements of Indian chess in 2024. This year, India won gold in both the Open and Women’s Competitions at the Chess Olympiad held in the summer, and Gukesh D claimed the title of World Champion in classical chess.
Source: FIDE (International Chess Federation)
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