Anton Demchenko of Russia leads by half a point heading into the final round of the European Individual Chess Championship ©Getty Images

Anton Demchenko of Russia maintained his half-point lead going into the final round of the European Individual Chess Championship at Reykjavik in Iceland.

Demchenko, playing on the top board, halved his match with Germany’s Vincent Keymer to move on to eight points.

Keymer is one of four players half a point back from Demchenko, as he is joined on 7.5 points by Daniel Bogdan-Deac of Romania, Alexey Sarana of Russia and Daniele Vocaturo of Italy, who all won today.

Ten players sit half a point back on seven, with the standings maintaining the crowded nature they have had throughout as the climax approaches.

Heading into tomorrow’s final matches the destiny of the title is in Demchenko’s hands, as he plays Bogdan-Deac on the top board knowing a win will give him the crown.