Bengaluru: Fabiano Caruana's Wednesday evening was made hellish by 20-year-old Javokhir Sindarov, who rocketed into the sole lead at the Candidates tournament in Cyprus.
Behind him by a point is world No 3 Caruana (2.5), while India's R Praggnanandhaa is placed half a point below (2).
Praggnanandhaa has had a win, a loss, and two draws in the tournament so far, with his only defeat coming against Sindarov.
The two 20-year-olds will face each other again in Round 10.
Former world No 2 Levon Aronian believes getting positions with Black could be key for Praggnanandhaa, while Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay suggests playing for a Kingside attack.
In the women's Candidates, Anna Muzychuk and Bibisara Assaubayeva currently lead the standings with 2.5 points.
