IM-elect Saravanan beat GM K Mowsziszian for the second time in two weeks -- after his fine win at Benasque -- to be in the joint lead with top-seed GM Alexander Baburin, Lev Pshaskis, Beccera, Dublan, Herrera and Ranola Yves.

Playing white, Saravanan employed the Austrian attack and castled on the opposite wing. In a wild game that followed, he played some subtle moves on the queen side and made a decisive thrust on the kingside to win a piece and then the game.

Young IM K Sasikiran (2.5) scored a good win over Portuguas to take the second spot with former National `A' champion IM P Konguvel, who beat Sanchez Lopez.

All other Indians barring Surya Shekhar Ganguly went down to higher rated opponents. Ganguly (2) recovered from his loss to top-seed Baburin in the previous round to beat J Rondon.