Kateryna shocks Parimarjan in Amity Grandmasters Challenge

New Delhi, Dec 18 (UNI) Former European Women's Champion Kateryna Lahno of Ukraine drew the first blood in the Amity Grandmasters Challenge defeating world's youngest Grandmaster Parimarjan Negi in the second classical game here at the Russian Center today.

The victory gave Lahno an early lead in the 18-games match and the result now stands at 1.5-0.5 in favour of the Ukrainian girl.

The second game was almost a replica of the first game wherein Kateryna blew away a strong start and settled for a draw.

Parimarjan, as white in the second game, fell a step forward as he did not find the right moves after attaining a good advantage out of the opening.

''I was better after the opening but it was still quite complicated, towards the end of the middle game I made some decisive mistakes,'' said Parimarjan in the post game conference.

From a pawn plus position Parimarjan wasted a few moves with his queen unsure of his prospects and Kateryna bounced back with some imaginative attacking moves that cast the dye in her favour.

Parimarjan lost a piece in the ensuing endgame and called it a day after 45 moves.

Kateryna was all smiles after her victory. When asked about if she played better or Parimarjan played badly the witty Ukrainian said, ''Normally your opponent has to play badly if you have to win a game.'' ''I think I was in troubles early but when he allowed me this dangerous attack I thought I was very much in the game, finally it was all fine,'' said Kateryna.

The third game of the match will be played tomorrow.

UNI DH DKA KP2025