GM Pravin Thipsay bounced back with a bang when he defeated GM designate Al. Modiahki of Qatar. GM Dibeyendu Barua and V Saravanan drew against GM Saltaev and IM Kakageldiev respectively. Barua is on 3.5 points while Saravanan and Thipsay are on 3.

Modiahki employed the Sicilian defence Taimanov variation against Thipsay's King Pawn opening and chose an aggressive line. Thipsay caught Modiahki's King in the centre and kept the pressure on the `c' and `d' files by keeping his major pieces on them. He won two pawns with menacing threats as Modiahki resigned in a hopeless position. This is Thipsay's 3rd consecutive victory.

Saltaev surprised Barua by choosing a clearly equal continuation in the Petroff defence, exchanging the queens as earlyas the 6th move. Though Saltaev tried to generate active play, Barua defended correctly and a draw was reached in 38 moves.

Saravanan employed the Panno system of the Kings Indian Defence against Kakageldiev. Though he had a slightly inferior position, he defended accurately to draw in 36 moves. Tomorrow is a rest day.

Important Results

GM R Kasimdzhanov (4.5) bt GM Dao Thien Hai (3.5), GM M Saltaev (3) drew with GM D Barua (3.5), GM S Zagrebelny (4) bt IM S Khamdamov (2.5), IM A Kakageldiev (3) drew with V Saravanan (3), K Aliev (3.5) bt M Ghorbani (2), GM PM Thipsay (3) bt IM Al Modiahki (2).