Top seed crashes to Nisha Mohota

ARMENIA, SEPT 25: Nisha Mohota (4) scored a sensational win over top seed Krush Irina (3) in the girls’ group of the World Junior Chess Championships here today. Placed almost 240 points below her American rival, Nisha outplayed Irina from the opening itself and gained control of the centre by her strong bishop and moved dangerously towards her pawn. Finding no defence, Irina resigned in the 36th move.

India’s Sounderajan Kidambi (4) also played brilliantly to score his second consecutive win in the 7th round, defeating International Master Wollam Simons (3) of England. Simons played Dutch defence and moved aggressively towards his king side. At this, Kidambi opened the centre and gained two bishops for his rook. In order to win back the piece, Simons left his king alone in the centre, making easy for Kidambi to trap his opponent’s king.

GM Galkin Alexander (6) of Russia is the sole leader in the boys’ group. He defeated Zhang Pengxiang (5) of China in the 7th round. GM Ashrian Karon of Armenia andKasimdzanov Rustom of Uzbekistan are in second spot with 5.5 points each.

K Sapio of Georgia and Kouvostov Maria of Greece are sharing the lead with 5.5 points each in the girls’ group.