D Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh Win Double Gold at European Club Cup

Indian chess grandmasters D Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh captured individual gold medals at the European Chess Club Cup 2025, providing a timely confidence boost ahead of the Chess World Cup in Goa. Indian chess stars D Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh win individual gold at the European Chess Club Cup 2025, boosting momentum ahead of the World Cup in Goa.

Gukesh Dominates Top Board

• Playing for SuperChess, Gukesh clinched gold on Board 1, leading his team to tournament victory.
• This performance comes after a turbulent season for the reigning World Champion, who ended 2024 with the title but has since struggled for consistency in elite tournaments.

Divya Shines in Women’s Section

• In the women’s event, Divya Deshmukh secured gold on Board 2, helping Cercle d’echecs de Monte Carlo take top honors.
• She is the only Indian woman participating in the upcoming World Cup, and this victory solidifies her form before the major tournament begins.

Upcoming Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa

• The Chess World Cup 2025 is scheduled from October 31 to November 27 in Goa, India.
• Gukesh is the top seed, followed by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa
• 24 Indian players are competing
• The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament

Recent Form Check: D Gukesh

While Gukesh has beaten Magnus Carlsen twice in 2025 (Norway Chess and SuperUnited Rapid), he’s had mixed results,

• 8th & 11th in Freestyle Chess Grand Slam
• 6th in Grand Chess Tour Romania
• 3rd in Norway Chess with a notable Carlsen win