Parimarjan in joint lead

Vlissingen, The Netherlands:

Parimarjan Negi scored a thumping victory over eighth seed Grandmaster Konstantin Landa of Russia in the sixth round of Hogeschool Zeeland International Chess tournament. The victory helped the 13-year-old Indian to remain in joint lead on 5.5 points in the nine-round tournament being played in Swiss format. The Delhi-based now shares the lead with second seed GM Michael Krasenkow of Poland, GM Vyacheslav Ikonnikov of Russia and GM Friso Nijboer of Holland. Mixed results was the order of the day for his other compatriots as GM Dibyendu Barua drew with GM Erwin L'Ami of Holland while International Master Saptarshi Roy Chowdhury and Saptarshi Roy ended on the losing side. Another Indian in the fray, IM Roktim Bandyopadhyay was held to a draw by Weersel Arlette of Holland. With three players sharing the lead and only three more rounds to come, the GM norm hopes of Saptarshi Roy Chowdhury and his Kolkata namesake have suffered a huge setback already. Barua is now sharing the fourth spot on five points along with eight others. Parimarjan's new opening repertoire has been helping him a great deal if trends in this event are anything to go by. Landa thought he could find some holes in the preparation of the teenager but was surprised all along with the conviction with which Negi executed his plan. (PTI)