Marawila (Sri Lanka), July 03: Talented Indian youngster Deepan Chakravarthy maintained his slender half point lead after a draw with Iranian Peyman Mojaherin in the 8th round of the 25th Asian Juniors Chess Championship here at the Club Palm Bay.

Deepan, who earlier beat top seed GM Ghaem Maghami Ehsan of Iran in the tournament, took his tally to an impressive 6.5 points from eight games to remain ahead of compatriot and nearest rival international master S Kidambi who holds the sole second spot on 7 points. In the girls' section too, Indians ruled the roost with third seed Tania Sachdev placed on top with 7 points. Continuing her excellent run in the tournament, Tania defeated compatriot Eesha Karavade on the top board to move ahead. The Delhi based girl now has a full point lead over nearest rival Y Pratibha while pre-tournament favourite Dronavalli Harika shares the joint third spot on 5.5 points.

Overnight leader P Priya lost two successive battles against compatriots Y Prathiba and Mary Ann Gomes. Pratibha drew with Huynh Mai Dun to inch ahead. Bureau Report