Humpy out of title-race

Things did not otherwise turn out to be rosy for most of the Indian norm hopefuls, as PDS Girinath and D Harika suffered defeats at the hands of Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan and Ashot Anastasian of Armenia respectively.

The win against Girinath enabled Guseinov to remain in joint lead on 6.5 points along with Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia, who had it easy against Tigran Kotanjian of Armenia. With just one round remaining in the 45000 prize money tournament, the battle for supremacy will be largely between the two leaders who have already drawn their personal encounter.

GM Koneru Humpy bowed out of contention for top spot after she was held by Georgian GM Zurab Sturua to a draw after a keenly contested game. Humpy inched to 5.5 points and will now meet Girinath to determine the best Indian in the championship this year.