Mixed fortunes for India

In the men8217;s event, Grandmaster Norm holder DV Prasad held Chinese GM Liang Jinrong to a draw on third board. Prasad, the Indian skipper here, chose the Sicilian defence and his opponent countered with the Alapin variation.

Liang Jinrong chose a quiet line and Prasad soon obtained equality after saddling his opponent with a weak D8217; Pawn. The Chinese player traded all the major pieces and though Prasad had a minor advantage, the resulting opposite bishop ending offered no chance for either side and draw was agreed.

GB Prakash India held China8217;s IM Zhang Pengxiong on the fourth board. The Chinese chose the Budapest gambit against Prakash8217;s queen-pawn opening and forced a draw by repetition of the opening phase.

GM Zhang Zhong China bundled out former National champion Abhijit Kunte in just 19 moves. Kunte, with white pieces, had to encounter the king8217;s Indian defence. The Indian youngster conceded his bishop, which was a strategical error. The Chinese drummed up a powerful attack on queen8217;s flank to win a piece and the game.

GM Ye Jiang Chuan China defeated National champion K Sasikiran, outplaying him in the white side of Ruy Lopez open variation.

Philippines shot into the lead with 10.5 points after thrashing Singapore 3.5-0.5.

RESULTS

Men8217;s 3rd round: Philippine bt Singapore 3.5-0.5, China A bt India 3-1, Kazhakistan bt Iran 2.5-1.5, Vietnam lost to Indonesia 1.5-2.5, Tajikistan lost to Uzbekistan 0-4, China B bt China C 3.5-0.5, New Zealand lost to Mongolia 0-4, Malaysia bt Macau 3-1

Women8217;s 2nd round: Uzbekistan lost to China A 0.5-2.5, India bt Mongolia 2.5-0.5