Kirishi (Russia): Parimarjan Negi slipped to joint third in the World Youth Stars Chess meet after losing to Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi in the seventh round here on Wednesday.

Negi will now have to score heavily in the remaining four rounds to catch up with Nepomniachtchi. The Russian emerged sole leader after his win over the Indian.

Nepomniachtchi has a tally of 5.5 points. He is followed by world junior champion Zaven Zndriasian (5). Negi, Armenian Avetik Grigoryan and Ukrainian Yuriy Kuzubov have 4.5 each. (PTI)