Polgar faces elimination

Polgar faces elimination if she loses or draws in tonight8217;s game, the final of this mini-match. If she manages to tie the match, two game play-off sets will be held tomorrow.

Top seed Vladimir Kramnik Russia played to a draw against No 5 Michael Adams England. Kramnik was better for most of the contest, but the English star managed to even up the position. Both of these players were among the pre-tournament favorites.

Alexei Shirov Spain, the second seed, was held to a draw by Liviu Nisipeanu Romania.

Nisipeanu, seeded 46th, had prepared a dangerous opening. He sacrificed two pieces but obtained a strong attack. The same opening moves have been played to a draw against Garry Kasparov, the strongest player in the world. It is widely known that black must play exactly to avoid defeat.

Shirov did not know this opening as well as his opponent, but he found the correct moves and the players agreed to the draw after 22 moves. Shirov will get his turn with the white pieces tonight.

Vladimir Akopian Armenia seemed to have a slight advantage against Sergei Movsesian Czech Republic. Akopian had less time than his opponent, however, and the players agreed to split the point.