All the other games at the pre-quarterfinal stage of the $ 3 million mega event were drawn after bitter fights.

Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik was under tremendous pressure from the white pieces in the Russian's territory. However, Vaselin Topalov failed to convert his pressure down the king's file, thanks to solid play from Kramnik.After trying for 51 moves, peace was signed, indicating a moral victory for Kramnik who had the disadvantage of black pieces.

Short chose a risky line of Rubinstein Variation of French Defence. In a dynamic position, Short tried to attack the white queen with his rook on 21st move. He was taken by surprise when the second seed from Spain sacrificed his queen on the next move.

Shirov's pair of rooks penetrated the vitals of black positionand stationed themselves on the eighth rank and broke the communication among Short's pieces. The Englishman fought gallantly but Shirov was in his elements. He wrapped up the game with decisive penetration of his army. Short resigned once the time shortage was over.

Short, who is assured of $ 43,200 for entering the fourth round, has to score a win from white pieces in order to remain in contention.

Results (fourth round, 1st game)

Nisipeanu (Romania) drew Vassily Ivanchuk (Ukrain), Alexander Khalifman (Russia) drew Boris Gelfand, Judit Polgar (Hungary) drew Zviaginsev (Russia), Georgiev (Bulgaria) drew Akopian (Armenia), Movsezian (Czech) drew Fedorov (Belarus), Michael Adams (England) drew Alexy Dreev (Russia), Vasilin Topalov (Bulgaria) drew Vladimir Kramnik (Russia), Alexei Shirov (Spain) beat Nigel Short (England).