Babu 'checks' Indonesian grandmaster

JAKARTA (JP): A last-minute blunder cost Indonesian grandmaster Utut Adianto an almost-certain victory in the ninth- round game at the Cakti Chess Invitational Tournament in Madras, India, on Tuesday, leaving him to settle for a draw.

The deadlock, forced at the 52nd move by his Indian rival, Babu Sudhakar, brought Utut's accumulative points to seven. The 30-year-old Indonesian grandmaster now shares the lead again with British grandmaster Anthony Miles, who made up his half-a-point deficit by beating another Indian, Sharad Tilak, on the same night. The two had previously shared the lead in the fifth round.

"How unfortunate I was today!" Utut exclaimed in dismay after accepting the draw. Utut, who took the advantage of playing white, was just a few steps closer to victory when, during the 43rd move, he inadvertently committed an error.

In the 10th round, played late yesterday, Utut met Sulaeman Lovlu of Bangladesh, who toppled compatriot grandmaster Niaz Murshed on Tuesday.

Today, the last day of the tournament, Utut will take on another Indian, Devaki Prasad, whom Indonesian chess observers believe to be the toughest among Utut's Indian contenders.

Djamil Djamal, secretary-general of the Indonesian Chess Association told The Jakarta Post yesterday that Utut needs two more points by beating both Lovlu and Prasad to increase his present elo rating of 2,610 to 2,620.

If Utut collects eight points, his elo rating will remain unchanged. His elo rating will drop by five if he manages less than that. (arf)

Results: Murshed (Bld) 0 Lovlu (Bld) 1 Barua (Ind) 1/2 Prasad (Ind) 1/2 Utut (Ina) 1/2 Babu (Ind) 1/2 Thipsay (Ind) 1 Koshy (Ind) 0 Ramesh (Bld) 1 Konguvel (Ind) 1 Miles (Gbr) 1 Tilak (Ind) 0

Standing: 1. Utut, Miles 7 3. Prasad 6 1/2 4. Murshed, Barua 5 1/2 5. Babu 5 6. Thipsay 4 1/2