Akopian draws level with Khalifman

LAS VEGAS, AUG 25: Three-time junior world champion Vladimir Akopian of Armenia shot back into contention when he outsmarted Russian Grandmaster Alexander Khalifman in a marathon third match of the six-game final in the World Chess Championship here last night.

The 31st seed Akopian, who lost the first game with white, played confidently at Caesars Palace and gained advantage from the start and brought life into the world title fight with both players tied at 1.5 points each.

The 33-year-old Russian, who surged ahead with the first-round win over Akopian and then drew the second game in just 18 moves, had no answer to Akopian8217;s intelligent moves.

Khalifman, seeded 36th, put all his experience to use as the game extended over 80 moves.