Gopal Scares Kasimdzhanov
By Arvind Aaron

Grand Master G.N.Gopal of Aluva, scared former world champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan in the opening game of round one in the World Chess Cup at Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia on Nov 24. After missing a chance, Gopal settled for a draw with white in the best of two match. In the second game, Kasimdzhanov will have white.

National champion Surya Ganguly of Kolkata went down to Sergey Tiviakov of Groningen, Holland with the white pieces in a Scandinavian defence. Ganguly will have to win with the black pieces to stay in this 128-player tournament.

In a tactical game, higher rated Krishnan Sasikiran was held to a draw by Sergei Zhigalko of Belarus. P.Harikrishna drew Zhao Jun of China with the black pieces easily. Lower rated Abhijit Kunte of Pune offered a 17-move draw with white which was accepted by Vadim zviaginsev of Russia.

On Sunday, half the 128 players which is 64 will pack their backs. Top seed Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine took a 1-0 lead in the best of two, round one match. The event runs from Nov 24 to Dec 18.

Home                                             Published: 25^th  November, 2007