Gipsdlis forces Utut into draw in Cafe Cup

Gipsdlis forces Utut into draw in Cafe Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Latvian Grand Master (GM) Aivars Gipsdlis gave
Indonesia's top chess player Utut Adianto stiff resistance to
force a draw in their third-round match at the Cafe Cup in
Koszalin, Poland, on Wednesday.

Playing white, Gipsdlis put constant pressure on Utut's Modern
defense throughout the three-hour, 40-minute game. With a
deadlock inevitable, both players agreed to a draw after 37
moves.

It was another disappointing outcome for Utut who has managed
only one win in three matches. With an elo rating of 2,610
compared to Gipsdlis' 2,450, Utut is ranked among the top seeds
in the tournament.

"He (Gipsdlis) is as tough as (Russian-born Swiss) Victor
Korchnoi. His experience enabled him to match my attacks. I could
do nothing but accept a draw," Utut said in a statement made
available to The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Utut now has 1.5 points. His only win came Tuesday over GM Vil
Syrtlanov of Russia. In the opening round Monday, Utut was upset
by Natalia Zukhova of Ukraine, one of seven Grand Master Women in
the event.

After three games, GM Igor Khenkin of Israel leads the
provisional standings with 3 points. Ten players are tied for
second with 2.5 points.

Other results Wednesday: GM Robert Kempinsky-GM Beljavski 0.5-
0.5, GM Zbynek Hracek-GM Novikov 0.5-0.5, GM Navsasarin-GM Curt
Hansen 0.5-0.5, GM Gdanski-GM Khenkin 0-1, GM Krasenkov-GM
Nijboer 0.5-0.5, GM Andrei Kharitonov-GM Romuald Mainkan 1-0, GM
Emil Sutovsky-International Master Orest Gritsak 1-0, GM Ehlvest-
GM Haba 0.5-0.5, GM Kreinys-GM Nebojsa Nikcevic 1-0. (lnt)