Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw with Duda Jan-Krzysztof of Poland to maintain a joint lead with 3.5 points, but compatriot D Gukesh lost a tense battle against Alireza Firouzja of France in the sixth round of Superbet Chess Classic here.

Playing the black side of an English opening, Praggnanandhaa was subjected to some strong advances by Duda, but held his ground.