
Team Herald
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DONA PAULA: IM Molenda Marcin of Poland, FM Sargissyan Sargis of Armenia and FM Lipilin Llia of Russia with 6.5 points each were jointly in the lead at the end of the eighth round of 24th World IPCA Chess Championship 2025 held at International Centre, here, on Tuesday.
On the first board, IM Gurbanov Andrei of Israel (2291) drew with IM Molenda Marcin (2376) of Poland in 16 moves in a Nimzo India defence opening, while on the second board, FM Liplin Illia (2161) of Russia defeated FM Ayapov Alimzhan (1994) of Kazakhstan in 55 moves against Caro Kann defence opening.
On Board 3, FM Soltanov Serik (2203) of Kazakhstan lost to FM Sargissyan Sargis (2206) of Armenia in Reti Kings Indian attack opening in 65 moves.
Dzenisenia Mikhail of Russia, Ayapov Alimzhan of Kazhakistan, Anfinogenov Artem of Russia, FM Valenta Vit Vaclav of Czech Republic, Glazar Domagoj of Croatia and IM Gurbanov Andrei of Israel are in close contention on 6 points.
CM Samarth Rao and FM Venkata Krishna Karthik K of India along with Gedgafov Chamal of Russia are close behind with 5.5 points.
The final ninth round will be played on Tuesday and the prize distribution will be held in the afternoon.
The tournament has created widespread interest with many dignitaries, school children and people from all walks of life dropping in to watch the players with disabilities playing in this championship.