India, July 23 -- In a moment that will be etched into Indian chess history, Koneru Humpy has become the first Indian woman to reach the semifinals of the prestigious FIDE Women's World Cup. The 38-year-old grandmaster clinched her semifinal spot on Saturday in Batumi, Georgia, after drawing her quarterfinal second-leg match against China's Song Yuxin - having already won the first game.

Playing with characteristic poise, Humpy adopted a cautious strategy in the return leg. Yuxin's offer of a draw was all Humpy needed to advance, sealing her place in the final four of the elite knockout tournament that features 107 of the world's best, including 17 of the top 20 ranked women players.

"It feels happy to qualify without playing tie-breaks...