Kirishi (Russia): Parimarjan Negi, who is in a two-way lead at the half-way stage of the World Youth Stars Chess meet here — stands a good chance of winning his first major international event.

The Indian whizkid has garnered 4.5 points out of a possible 6 with three wins and three draws. He shares the lead with top seed Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia.

In the seventh round, Parimarjan will meet Nepomniachtchi after a day’s rest and the game could well be the championship decider.

Having already met the three strongest players — world junior champion Zaven Andriasian of Armenia, Yuriy Kuzubov of Ukraine and Rauf Mamedov of Azerbaijan — Negi is better placed to lift the crown.

(PTI)