India's hopes in the Under-18 Open brightened as R Praggnanandhaa outclassed compatriot P Iniyan in the highly-anticipated battle between two Indian Grand Masters in the World Youth Chess Championship here on Wednesday. Playing black, Iniyan opted for the Pirc Defence, which was easily countered by Praggnanandhaa, forcing him into inaccuracies in the opening itself. Praggnanandhaa kept increasing his advantage with every move and duly emerged victorious on move 38.

With this crucial win, Praggnanandhaa joined Iran's IMAryan Gholami in the lead after the latter was made to settle for a draw by Indian IM Mitrabha Guha in 38 moves.
Top seed GM Sargsyan Shant of Armenia kept himself in the hunt by crushing George Stoleriu of Romania in 37 moves. Meanwhile, untitled R Abinandhan's dream run continued in the Under-14 Open, storming into the lead with 7 points.