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)