Neelotpal8217;s run ends

GM Alexander Lastin 4.5 points of Russia handed national champion Abhijit Kunte 3.5 points his first loss of the tournament in a Caro Kann defence. Abhijit opted for the sharp Panov Botvinnik variation but could not really trouble the Russian with his isolated queen pawn and went down tamely after the first time control.

GM Dao Thien Hai Vietnam agreedto a draw after 25 moves of a Nimzo Indian defence against GM J Levitt of England to take his points tally to four.

GM Pravin Thipsay 3.5 pts could not convert his minute advantage into a win against IM norm aspirant PDS Girinath 3.5 pts in a Sicilian Narzdorf variation and drew the game.

WGM norm holder S Vijayalakshmi kept her norm hopes alive by holding IM P Mithrakanth to a draw in a Ruy Lopez game.