Grover drubs Lapidus

Grandmaster-elect Sahaj Grover came back in reckoning for a podium finish with a fluent victory against Mark Lapidus of Estonia in the 11th round of World Junior chess championship.

With his sixth victory besides three draws, Grover took his tally to 7.5 points and this was an excellent recovery for him after a loss in the previous round against top seed Ding Liren of China.

Playing the black side of a Ruy Lopez, Grover gave no chances to Lapidus and launched an attack against the king very early in the middle game. The Estonian, tried combating to no avail and was grinded in a mere 27 moves.

Alexander Ipatov of Turkey joined Richard Rapport of Hungary in the lead on nine points after the former won against Serbian Aleksandar Indjic.

With just two rounds remaining, Grover shares the ninth spot and needs two victories to be in with a chance. The Indian next plays Yaroslav Zherebukh of Ukraine.