Kasparov (8 points) leads Anand (7) by a clear one point and it will take an enormous effort from the Indian to catch up with the Russian as just three rounds are left in this 14-player Super Category tournament. Anand, a sole second, has another point to worry about. Vladimir Kramnik (Russia) scored a facile win over Jan Timman (Netherlands) to be just half a point behind.

Sasikiran's hopes dashed

UBEDA: Young K Sasikiran lost his hopes of earning a GM norm when he lost to Del Rio of Spain even as the Indian team had mixed fortunes in the ninth and penultimate round of the 4th Ciudao de Ubeda International Open Chess tournament here.

Sasikiran had an equal position in queen pawn opening against Del Rio yesterday but miscalculated the variation to lose two pieces forrook. With the Spanish player having a clear advantage, Sasikiran was forced to resign on the 37th move, effectively ending his chances of making the norm.

Seasoned C S Gokhale also faced similar disappointment when he lost his chances of making an IM norm. Gokhale (4.5) lost to teammate and former National A champion P Konguvel (5.5) in Ruy Lopez opening. IM DV Prasad (5) shared the point with Kreimann of the United States after a long battle. GM norm holder Abhijit Kunte (5) and RB Ramesh (5.5) defeated Kotanjan and Minasian Ava respectively while.