Nicosia GP Round 1: Divya Deshmukh draws with Harika Dronavalli
16/03/2025 - IM Divya Deshmukh drew her first round game against GM Harika Dronavalli at FIDE Nicosia GP 2025. Harika opted for the Berlin Defence in the Ruy Lopez. The nature of this opening is drawish. Pieces got exchanged at regular intervals and the game was drawn after 50 moves. IM Stavroula Tsolakidou (GRE) capitalized on her opportunity when her opponent, GM Elisabeth Paehtz (GER) missed a tactical idea in the back rank. GM Jiner Zhu (CHN) outplayed IM Olga Badelka (AUT). Stavroula and Jiner are the only two victors of the round. Harika will face Stavroula in Round 2 and Divya will be up against GM Mariya Muzychuk (UKR). Round 2 starts today from 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE / Mark Livshitz