Indians lead in Asian Jr chess

Talented Indian youngster Deepan Chakravarthy maintained a slender half point lead, after a draw with Iranian Peyman Mojaherin, in the eighth round of the 25th Asian Junior chess championship, at the Club Palm Bay, in Marawila, Sri Lanka, on Wednesday.

Deepan, who earlier beat top seed GM Ghaem Maghami Ehsan of Iran in the tournament, took his tally to an impressive 6.5 points from eight games to remain ahead of compatriot and nearest rival International Master S Kidambi, who holds sole second spot on 7 points.

In the girls' section too, Indians ruled the roost with third seed Tania Sachdev placed on top with 7 points.

Continuing her excellent run in the tournament, Tania defeated compatriot Eesha Karavade on the top board to move ahead.

The Delhi-based girl now has a full point lead over nearest rival Y Pratibha while pre-tournament favourite Dronavalli Harika shares the joint third spot on 5.5 points.

Overnight leader P Priya lost two successive battles against compatriots Y Prathiba and Mary Ann Gomes. Pratibha drew with Huynh Mai Dun to inch ahead.