Team Herald
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DONA PAUL: Ayapov Alimzhan of Kazhakistian along with IM Molenda Marcin of Poland are jointly leading the points table with six points at the end of 7th round of 24th World IPCA Chess Championship 2025 being held at International Centre, here, on Monday. The tournament has entered an interesting stage as the penultimate round on Tuesday will be watched with interest. On the first board, FM Sargissyan Sargin of Armenia drew with IM Molenda Marcin of Poland in a Sicilian opening manouvre which lasted 29 moves.
On the second board, Dzenisenia Mikhail of Russia lost to Ayapov Alimzhan of Kazakhstan in a Caro kann opening game in 40 moves, while on the third board, IM Sundi Sonam of Mongolia lost to IM Andrei Gurbanov of Israel in a London system opening in 35 moves. FM Sargissyan Sargis of Armenia, FM Lipilin Llia of Russia and IM Andrei Gurbanov of Israel are following close behind with 5.5 points. Among the Indian players, CM Samarth Rao is in contention with five points.