Humpy, Harika Play Draws
By Arvind Aaron
 

Game one of round three saw both the Andhra girls, World No.2 Koneru Humpy of ONGC Vijayawada and World Junior girls champion Dronavalli Harika play draws at Nalchik, in Russia on September 4, 2008.

Humpy played a draw with the black colour against former world junior girls champion Hoang Thanh Trang of Hungary in a rook ending after they reached a level position.

China's wonder girl Hou Yifan leads Elena Sedina 1-0 after spotting a little tactic which won her a bishop and the game in win with the white pieces in 28 moves.

Harika met with a mild disappointment when she was held to a draw in 83 moves by Armenia's Mkrtchian in a game where the Indian enjoyed an extra pawn after the queen's gambit declined opening. In a rook and knight against rook and bishop ending, black equalised around move 62 to draw with accurate play.

The reverse game of round three on Friday will decide the fate of 16 players. And if still tied, they will get into the play off matches to decide the last eight of the World Women's Championship