Negi splits point with Mamedov

Parimarjan Negi, the world's youngest Grandmaster, frittered away an advantageous position and drew with Grandmaster Rauf Mamedov of Azerbaijan in the sixth round of the World Youth Stars International chess tournament, in Kirishi, Russia.

Negi was in a commanding position against Mamedov for the major part of the game but fell short on time and couldn't convert a winning position into a full point.

However, that did not pose much threat to his joint lead in the tournament as co-leader Zaven Andriasian of Armenia was beaten by top seed Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia.

Parimarjan was a bit unlucky against Mamedov, who played an unusual Sicilian with black pieces. The Indian was on top with thematic manoeuvres and outplayed Mamedov in the initial stages.

The Azerbaijani, known as a fine expert of blitz chess, was put to test further after Negi knocked down one pawn with awesome ease and converted to an endgame that should have been easily won.

As the game progressed, Mamedov lost three more pawns but got a semblance of counter play with his central passed pawn that proved crucial in determining the outcome of the game.

Parimarjan simply lost control towards the final stages, lost a couple of pawns and found himself in a drawn endgame. The game lasted 59 moves.

As things stand at the near half-way stage of this 12-players round robin event, Parimarjan and Nepomniachtchi share the lead on 4.5 points each while Andriasian is now joint third on 4 points along with compatriot Avetik Grigoryan.

With five rounds yet to be played, Mamedov holds the fifth spot jointly with a resurgent Nepomniachtchi and Yuriu Kuzubov of Ukraine.

The day was quite exciting as Parimarjan's game was the only draw.

Nepomniachtchi showcased his positional skills to outwit reigning world junior champion Andriasian. Playing the black side of his pet French defense, Nepomniachtchi was in his elements in the Tarasch variation and punished Andriasian for a delayed attack. Winning a pawn on the 40th move the Russian did not look back and won 13 moves later.

Kuzubov defeated Safarli Eltaz of Azerbaijan, Russian Ivan Popov got the better of compatriot Daniil Lintchevsky while Falco Bindrich of Germany was outdone by Russian Eduard Gorvykh.

In another game, Grigoryan made a strong case of attaining his Grandmaster norm defeating GM Sergei Zhigalko of Belarus.

Grigoryna got the better of Zhigalko in a Nimzo Indian defense game while it was a Sicilian Nazdorf that helped Kuzubov garner a full point against Eltaz.

Results round 6: Zaven Andriasian (Arm, 4) lost to Ian Nepomniachtchi (Rus, 4.5); Parimarjan Negi (Ind, 4.5) drew with Rauf Mamedov (Aze, 3.5); Avetik Grigoryan (Arm, 4) beat Sergei Zhigalko (Blr, 2); Safarli Eltaz (Aze, 2) lost to Yuriy Kuzubov (Ukr, 3.5); 7. Ivan Popov (Rus, 2.5) beat Daniil Lintchevsky (Rus, 2); Falco Bindrich (Ger, 1) lost to Eduard Gorovykh (Rus, 2.5).