The 9th and penultimate round of the Delhi Open 2016 saw Hungarian GM Czebe Atilla score a resounding victory over GM Lalith Babu of India. With the top-board encounter between GMs Ivan Popov and Solodovnichenko ending in a quick draw, Czebe’s victory helped him inch closer to Popov, who is currently leading the field with 8/9. Czebe is sole second with 7.5/9.
Earlier in the day, the Czebe – Lalith clash took off with a strange kind of Reti opening that offered equal chances to both the sides. However, Lalith Babu quickly went astray after the opening, allowing Czebe to gain a significant advantage. From that point on, the Hungarian GM never looked back as he went on to convert his advantage in an extremely swift fashion.
With the top two players separated by only half a point and three players following them on the third spot, the 10th and final round promises an exciting finish to this premier open event.