A Comeback for the Ages: Humpy's triumphant return to the ‘Chess Summit’
Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, a name synonymous with Indian chess excellence, has once again etched her name in the annals of the sport. In a stunning display of resilience and skill, the 37-year-old veteran clinched her second FIDE Women's World Rapid Chess Championship title on Sunday, capping off a phenomenal year for Indian chess on the global stage. This victory, coming after a challenging year marked by struggles and setbacks, is a testament to Humpy's enduring talent and unwavering determination.
Humpy's Journey: From early setback to a dominant finish
Humpy's path to victory was far from smooth. She began the tournament with a shock defeat in the first round, a setback that could have easily derailed her campaign. After four rounds, she found herself with a modest score of 2.5 points. However, the seasoned grandmaster refused to be discouraged. Demonstrating the mental fortitude that has defined her career, Humpy mounted a remarkable comeback. She went on to win four games on the second day. In a dramatic final round, Humpy emerged as the sole winner, propelling her to the top of the standings with 8.5 points, half a point ahead of a crowded field that included compatriot D Harika. Humpy had started the final game with black pieces.
Timeline of Humpy's triumph:
- Start: Begins the tournament with a loss in the first round.
- Early Rounds: Struggles in the initial rounds, accumulating only 2.5 points after four rounds.
- Day 2 resurgence: Wins four consecutive games on the second day, reigniting her title hopes.
- Final round (Round 11): The only player to win in the final round, securing a crucial victory against Irene Sukandar of Indonesia.
- Victory: Finishes with 8.5 points, half a point clear of the competition, clinching her second World Rapid Chess Championship title.
- Runner Up: Ju Wenjun of China took the second spot.
- Third Place: Kateryna Lagno of Russia secured third place.
- Fifth Place: D Harika finished fifth with eight points.
A historic achievement: second only to Ju Wenjun
With this victory, Humpy became only the second player in history, after China's Ju Wenjun, to win the Women's World Rapid Chess Championship more than once.8 Her previous title came in 2019 in Georgia, solidifying her place among the elite in the world of rapid chess. This win was even more special as she had a very bad tournaments through out the year where she ended up in the last place.
A banner year for Indian Chess:
Humpy's triumph is the latest in a series of remarkable achievements for Indian chess in recent times. Earlier, D Gukesh had defeated China's Ding Liren to become the classical format World Champion. In September, India's Open and Women's teams secured gold medals at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest. These victories underscore India's growing dominance in the sport and the depth of talent emerging from the country.
Humpy's Reflections: Family, motivation, and inspiring the next generation
A visibly elated Humpy attributed her success to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her husband and parents, who play a crucial role in caring for her daughter while she travels for tournaments. She acknowledged the challenges of maintaining peak performance at the age of 37, emphasizing the importance of staying motivated and sharp. Humpy expressed hope that her victory, along with Gukesh's world title, would inspire a new generation of Indian chess players to pursue the sport professionally.
Open Section: A Russian sweep and Indian performances
In the open section, 18-year-old Russian Grandmaster Volodar Murzin took the gold medal, showcasing nerves of steel in a high-pressure final round. Murzin's victory was particularly noteworthy for his penultimate-round win against India's R Praggnanandhaa, who suffered a heartbreaking one-move blunder in a winning position. The open section podium was an all-Russian affair, with Alexander Grischuk securing second place and former world championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi taking third. Arjun Erigaisi finished a creditable tied fourth with 9 points, while Praggnanandhaa ended with 8.5 points. Aravindh Chithambaram was the next best Indian performer with 8 points.
A Legacy vemented: A future beckoning
Koneru Humpy's second World Rapid Chess Championship title is a monumental achievement, not just for her but for Indian chess as a whole. It's a story of perseverance, resilience, and the ability to overcome adversity. At 37, she has defied age and form to reclaim her place at the pinnacle of the sport, proving that experience and determination can triumph over youthful exuberance. Her victory, alongside other recent successes by Indian players, signals a golden era for Indian chess. It reinforces India's position as a global chess powerhouse and serves as an inspiration for aspiring players across the country. Humpy's legacy is now firmly cemented as one of the greatest chess players of her generation, and her story will undoubtedly motivate countless young Indians to take up the game, ensuring that the future of Indian chess remains bright and filled with promise. The broader implications of this victory extend beyond individual glory, highlighting the growing strength and depth of Indian chess on the world stage, and setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.
Pix courtesy: Mint
