Candidate Master Madhesh Kumar toppled experienced Georgian GM Sanikidze Tornidze, pulling off the upset of the 4th round in the Rs 40 lakh prize money Aurionpro International Grandmaster and Junior Chess Tournament, being played at the World Trade Centre on Friday.
Elsewhere, GM Manuel Petrosyan clinically beat Alexei Fedorov, while GM Aleksej Aleksandrov held top seed Levan Pantsulaia to a draw. Young Advik Amit Agrawal impressed by drawing IM Alexander Slizhevsky under pressure.
After four rounds, eight players are on a perfect 4/4, heightening the race for the title.
Madhesh Kumar also continued his dream run in the Junior event, winning again to remain on 4/4 and lead the Sub-Junior standings.
Top seed Aansh Nandan Nerurkar also stayed perfect with a win over Vyom Malhotra, while Madhvendra Pratap Sharma edged Andalamala Hemal Varshan in a rollercoaster battle.
Gritty draws by Sahajveer Singh Maras (1849) vs Advik Agrawal (2218) and Sravyasree Bheemarasetty (1747) vs Avirat Chauhan (2168) highlighted the depth of young talent.
Five players now share the lead at 4/4 in the Junior event.
GM Section Leaders After Round 4
1. GM Lalit Babu MR
2. GM Nikitenko Mihail
3. IM Davtyan Arsen
4. GM Savchenko Boris
5. CM Madhesh Kumar
6. GM Nguyen Hoa
7. GM Petrosyan Manuel
