In joint third spot along with compatriot Grandmaster Sahaj Grover, Grandmaster S.P. Sethuraman is all set to take on Alexander Ipatov of Turkey in the eighth round of World Junior Chess championship here.
Sethuraman will have the advantage of playing white against Ipatov in what could potentially be a decider for the medal.
Yu Yangyi of China enjoys a commendable half point lead on 6.5 points out of a possible seven and the Chinese seems to be cruising through. The fact that he has already played against Ipatov and Sethuraman make his chances for the podium finish even brighter.
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Ipatov, on six points, holds the second spot solely followed by Grover, Sethuraman, Jorge Cori of Peru and Idani Pouya of Iran who all have 5.5 points apiece. Grover meets Pouya in the next round.
Also in contention is the Indian duo of Vidit Gujrathi and N. Srinath, both of whom have five points each and share the seventh spot with six rounds still remaining in the premier junior event of the world.
Sethuraman’s sole loss came against Yangyi, but since then the Indian has recovered and is moving forward again.
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His victory in the previous round came against Duda Jan-Krzysztof of Poland was quite impressive and the Indian seems ready to take up the challenge against defending champion Ipatov.