Nicosia GP Round 2: Divya Deshmukh shares the point with Mariya Muzychuk
17/03/2025 - IM Divya Deshmukh drew with the 15th Women's World Champion, GM Mariya Muzychuk in Round 2 at FIDE Nicosia GP 2025. IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE) sacrificed her queen for GM Harika Dronavalli's rook and knight. However, it was virtually impossible for Harika to break through her opponent's fortress or make progress. Thus, the game ended in a draw. GM Jiner Zhu (CHN) scored the sole win of the round against GM Elisabeth Paehtz (GER). The four pawns against bishop and two pawns seemed to be heading towards a draw until the Germany no.1 made a blunder which was one of the few ways she could lose and she did. Divya will battle against GM Aleksandra Goryachkina and Harika will be up against Jiner in the third round. Round 3 starts today from 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE / Mark Livshitz