Negi scores win over Timman

Negi now is joint fourth along with Kotronias, Erwin L8217;Ami and Pontus Carlsson at 2.5 points.

Humpy makes a winning start

Grandmaster Koneru Humpy of India trounced M Sadatnajafi of Iran in the first round to open her account in style at the 9th Dubai International Open chess championship here.

Playing with white pieces, Humpy had little trouble to tame Sadatnajafi, who was gradually outplayed in the middle game arising out of a queen pawn opening.

It turned out to be a good day for Indians, most scoring victories at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club. Topping the list was GM RB Ramesh, who played a chanceless game to outwit Ali Obay of Sudan. Indian GM Tejas Bakre also emerged a winner, over German Rolf Sander.

Meanwhile, at the top of the table, top seed Estonian Jaan Ehlvest had a smooth victory over Indian youngster N Srinath. GM-norm hopeful Indians D Harika and GN Gopal had a field day as they had to score hard-fought victories over their lower-ranked Iranian opponents A Ghobadibigvand and Mehdi Mahdavirad respectively.

Amongst the International Master norm contenders, SP Sethuraman and MR Lalith Babu scored facile victories over little-known opponents.