Open Section
A convincing victory with the black pieces over IM Van Foreest helped GM Duda Jan-Kryzystof take a half point lead after Round 7 over his nearest rivals.
The Van Foreest-Duda encounter took off with the Fianchetto Variation in the Sicilian Dragon, albeit via an unusual move order. Duda played powerful and precise chess throughout – constantly keeping his opponent under the pump. Van Foreest, however, was unable to match Duda’s energetic play, and as such, went down on move 43.
After 7 Rounds, Duda is being closely followed by GM Ulvi Bajarani, whom he will face next.
Round 7 Results: Here
Girls Section
In the Girls Section, WGM Abdumalik Zhansaya of Kazakhstan continued her marvellous display by winning her 7th game on the trot in as many rounds. With this victory, Abdumalik is one and a half point clear off her nearest competitors – WGM Saduakassova and WFM Buksa.
Round 7 Results: Here