Konguvel, Ramesh lead

In a Sicilan Alapin, Ramesh playing black got the better of Swati Ghate who played some artificial moves in the opening.

With enterprising play Ramesh obtained a passed pawn on the queen file in a queenless middle game and romped home after pocketing two pawns.

Konguvel had a relatively difficult game against World Under-12 champion Koneru Humpy. Facing the Carocoun Defence with white pieces, Konguvel employed the sharp Panev Botvinnik variation and lanched a kingside attack after trading the minor pieces.

ImportantResults

S Vijayalakshmi 2 drew A Das 2; Nassir Wajih 2 drew Sriram Jha 2; D Barua 2 bt P Harikrishna 1; V Koshy 2 bt Tania Sachdev 1; Saheli Barua 2 bt SR Kidambi 1; K Visweswaran 2 bt Arjun Oberoi 1; Roy Phillips 2 bt Ravi Khanna 1; K Murugan 1.5 drew K Gopalakrishna 1.5; Dilip Pagey 1.5 drew NK Mishra 1.5; Valay Parikh 2.5 drew RG Setty 1.5.