Sarin keeps lead at Dubai Open Chess tourney

Only eight players led by top-seed grandmaster (GM) Nihal Sarin of India and defending champion GM Mahammad Muradli of Azerbaijan remain with unblemished records after Wednesday night's second round in the 25th Dubai Open Chess Tournament at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club.

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Working with a new coach and back in the Dubai Open after nearly a decade, Sarin scored yet another easy victory, beating 18-year-old compatriot GM Prraneeth Vuppala in 24 just moves. Sarin now trains with GM Vishnu Prasanna as his new coach, and says he appreciates the new training style and the impact on his play.

"The result is so far good," said Sarin. "The way we train is very different - it's not the usual way, and I'm really enjoying it."

He adds: "He's a very nice person. He's like a very good friend who always keeps me in good shape before the game. It's great."

The Indian grandmaster was only 11 years old when he last played in Dubai in 2016 as a Fide Master - now he's relishing his return as the tournament favourite.