Sasikiran draws with Hassan

Sasikiran faced Hassan8217;s Grunfeld Defence. The Bangladeshi sacrificed to initiate some attack but it resulted in the queens going out early in the game. After Sasikiran got back his bishop, the players were left with two bishops each and they drew after 39 moves.

Anup Deshmukh was in time trouble, having to make 24 moves in five minutes against GM Barua. Deshmukh lost a queen for a rook and resigned after 18 moves.

Pravin Thipsay showed superior defence to thwart V Saravanan8217;s attempt to initiate an attack on the white king by sacrificing a bishop. Thipsay, who played the Sicilian Defence, won his opponent8217;squeen when Saravanan gave up the fight.

Abhijit Kunte faced the Slav Defence from Rakeeb, who made two blunders in the opening which forced his knight on A5, out of the main action. Kunte penetrated down Rakeeb8217;s C File and had won three pawns. He was gaining another when Rakeeb8217;s flag fell on the 39th move.

The women8217;s first round will be held tomorrow. There are eight women and seven rounds.