IM Molenda Marcin of Poland, FM Sargissyan Sargis of Armenia and FM Lipilin Llia of Russia with 6.5 points each are in joint-lead at the end of the eighth round of 24th World IPCA Chess Championship 2025 in progress at International Centre, Goa.
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 ninth and final round will be played tomorrow morning and the prize distribution will be held in the afternoon.
