Khalifman draw away from title

Yesterday8217;s result left Khalifman 3 points needing just a draw from the final game while it would be an uphill task for Akopian 2 to force himself back into contention.

The three-time junior world champion from Yeravan in Armenia, will need to win the sixth game with black pieces to force a play-off.

The 33-year-old Khalifman, seeded five places below his six years younger opponent, yesterday coolly defended an inferior position forcing the Armenian to accept a truce treaty at Caesars Palace.

Akopian, who upset fifth seed Michael Adams ofEngland in the semifinals, opted for a Queen pawn move e4 after three straight games with Knight opening. Khalifman replied with a King pawn opening and the game proceeded in familiar series of moves 8212; no player wanting to take risk.

Akopian, who had shocked Khalifman with a win in the third game with white, again tried to cripple the Russian8217;s defence by amassing his pieces for attack.

Khalifman went on defensive as the Armenian opponent pressed hard. Akopian was, however, crippled by lack-of-movement and failed to significantly increase his advantage. When almost all the pieces were traded off, Akopian had an advantage of one extra pawn, but the Russian analysed the situation perfectly and headed home towards a draw that increased Russia8217;s stranglehold on the chess title.