GM Sadvakasov takes lead in JAPFA Open

JAKARTA (JP): Grand Master (GM) Darmen Sadvakasov of Kazakhstan became the only player to stay on top with 7 match points (MP) at the JAPFA International Open 2000 at the Grand Bali Beach hotel, Sanur, Bali, on Wednesday.

Sadvakasov, the 1998 FIDE world junior champion whose elo rating is 2471, earned one point after defeating International Master (IM) Krishnan Sasikiran of India.

With a Sicilia defense, Sasikiran (2514), who took the world junior title from Sadvakasov in 1999, gave up in the 38th move to avoid a checkmate which may have proven he was less qualified than Sadvakasov, Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) spokesman Kristianus Liem said in a media release on Wednesday.

Indonesian hopeful of IM Danny Juswanto (2483) was second after he drew with IM Bong Villamayor of the Philippines in 32 moves by Catalan opening. Danny has 6.5 MP.

Also in second position is GM Jaan Ehlvest (Estonia, 2622) who beat Indonesian IM Cerdas Barus (2445) in 44 moves with Catalan opening, GM Dibyendu Barua (India, 2555) beat IM Rico Mascarinas (the Philippines, 2415) in the 44th move with Sicilia defense, GM Ian Rogers (Australia, 2562) and GM Normund Miezis (Latvia, 2486) who share half points after both agreed to draw in the 58th move by Trompowsky attack opening.

The championship will end on Thursday.(ivy)