India with 15.5 points moves ahead

CHESS: India surged into the lead of the World Youth Chess Olympiad currently being held in Singapore with a convincing 3.5-0.5 win over top-ranked Hungary yesterday in the 5th round of the tournament.

India, with 15.5 points is clearly 1.5 points ahead of Uzbekistan and Turkey on 14, who drew with Australia (2-2) and defeated Vietnam (3.5-0.5) respectively. Philippines and Australia are on 13.5, followed by Hungary and Switzerland on both 12.5.

Sri Lanka (1) has slid down to 24th place after several poor Performances. They have just 8 points. They did well do defeat Australia 4, 2.5-1.5, with top board Chathura Rajapaksha winning his game while the rest of the players drew theirs.

Sri Lanka (2) registered a 2-2 draw with Korea after a string of 4 consecutive losses and now have a total of 7 points. Oshadi Kottahachcy, the youngest in the contingent has the best performance so far among the Sri Lankans, having secured 3.5 from 5 games.

India is battling Turkey in Round 6 and is expected to further extend its lead. Sri Lanka (1) is playing against USA (2) and Sri Lanka (2) is playing Macau in Round 6.

A total of 34 teams are taking part in this ten-round event which concludes on August 11.