Khalifman moves into lead

LAS VEGAS, AUG 27: Grandmaster Alexander Khalifman struck a crucial blow when he outsmarted Vladimir Akopian of Armenia in the fourth match of the six-game final to keep alive Russia8217;s hope of retaining a stranglehold on the chess crown at the World Championship last night.

Khalifman, the 36th seed from St Petersburg, now has 2.5 points to 1.5 of Akopian with two more games to go in the Fide world event at Caesars Palace.

The 33-year-old Russian, who spends more time at his chess grandmasters8217; school than in taking part in elite tournaments, needs just one point 8212; two draws or a win to engrave his name on the World Chess title.