Norway Chess Women 2026: Divya defeats Jiner, emerges sole leader

By admin May 31, 2026 0 comments

Divya Deshmukh bounced back strong by defeating Jiner Zhu in Round 5 of Norway Chess Women 2026.

Humpy scores her first win of the event

After losing to Anna Muzychuk in Round 4, the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 winner, Divya Deshmukh bounced back strong by defeating Jiner Zhu in the Classical encounter. Anna won a wild Armageddon against the tournament leader, Bibisara Assaubayeva. Thanks to Anna’ assist, Divya has emerged sole leader 8.5/15. She is closely followed by Bibisara at 8/15 and the defending champion, Anna 7/15.

Divya – Jiner: 3-0

FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 winner, Divya Deshmukh (2500) and Jiner Zhu (CHN, 2546) have played eight Classical rated games against each other. Jiner won five, Divya two and the remaining ended in a draw. So, historically Jiner has always proved to be a difficult opponent for Divya. However, this time, Divya got the better of her opponent in a rook and minor piece endgame. This is Divya’s first Classical win of the tournament and she gained sole lead 8.5/15.

Divya Deshmukh defeated Jiner Zhu to emerge sole leader 8.5/15 | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Anna – Bibisara: 1.5-1

Anna Muzychuk (UKR, 2522) and Bibisara Assaubayeva (KAZ, 2527) have played five Classical rated games against each other. They won a game each and the remaining three ended in draws. Their sixth Classical battle also ended in a draw. In a topsy-turvy Armageddon, Bibisara blundered in a completely winning position, lost the game and the lead.

Bibisara Assaubayeva has a tough time to believe how she fumbled a win against Anna Muzychuk| Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Wenjun – Humpy: 1-1.5

The reigning five-time Women’s World Champion, Wenjun Ju (CHN, 2559) and Humpy Koneru (2535) have played 17 Classical rated games against each other. Humpy won five, Wenjun two and the remaining ten games ended in draws. Their 18th Classical battle also ended in a draw. Humpy won Armageddon to win the match and register her first victory in the tournament.

Humpy Koneru scored her first win of the event against the reigning five-time Women’s World Champion, Wenjun Ju | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Replay Round 5 games

Round 5 Women results

Jiner Zhu (CHN) – Divya Deshmukh: 0-3

Anna Muzychuk (UKR) – Bibisara Assaubayeva (KAZ): 1.5-1

Wenjun Ju (CHN) – Humpy Koneru: 1-1.5

Standings after Round 5

Divya Deshmukh emerged new sole leader 8.5/15 at the halfway mark | Graphic: Norway Chess / Tor Nilssen & Kjetil V. Tveito

Round 6 pairings

Jiner Zhu (CHN) – Anna Muzychuk (UKR)

Divya Deshmukh – Wenjun Ju (CHN)

Bibisara Assaubayeva (KAZ) – Humpy Koneru

Open and Women pairings of all rounds | Graphic: Norway Chess

Format

6 players will take part in the Tournament.

The Tournament is a double-round event with Armageddon.

The Tournament consists of 10 rounds.

Berger tables will be used for the pairings.

Default time is 15 minutes.

Time Control

Each player will have 120 minutes on the clock with an increment of 10 seconds starting from move 41. The time control for the Armageddon game: white has 10 minutes and black has 7 minutes with an increment for both players of 1 second per move, starting from move 41.

Draw by Mutual Agreement

Players are not allowed to agree to a draw until at least 30 moves have been made by each player. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.

Armageddon

If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game will be played. It shall start within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the classical game. The player with White pieces will continue with White in Armageddon. If the Armageddon game is drawn, black will win.