Peng, Nutu-Gajic share lead

JAKARTA (JP): Grandmasters (GMs) Peng Zhaoqin and Daniela Nutu-Gajic shared the lead on 9.5 Victory Points until the 12th round of the women's grandmaster chess championship Tuesday.

Peng, of Chinese origin and now a Dutch citizen, defeated Imasniti of Indonesia in the 25th move of the Sicilian defense while Nutu-Gajic won over IM Maria Lucia, also of Indonesia, in the 45th move of the English opening.

Both Peng and Nutu-Gajic went into their final games last night with a chance of winning the championship.

GM Nana Alexandria of Georgia and GM Zsuzsa Veroci of Hungary are in third and fourth places with 8.5 VP and 7.5 VP respectively.

Zsuzsa defeated FM Angela Khegai of Uzbekistan while Nana drew with Darmayanti Tamin.

Fifth place was shared by Indonesia's International Master (IM) Upi Darmayana Tamin and IM Angela Kheqai of Uzbekistan with 6.5 VP each.

Upi created a surprise when she drew with IM Nguyen Thi Thoan Hoa of Vietnam. Last night she had one more game to play against teammate Maria.

If Upi won the match, she would gain not only 7.5 VP but also 10 points to her elo 2,210 elo rating. A draw would only add five points to her elo rating.

Whatever the result, Maria's elo rating will go down five points, from 2260 to 2255.

Another Indonesian, IM Lisa Lumondong will also have her elo rating dropped. Lisa only scored 4.5 VP although she won over compatriot Diah Saidah.

Rankings: Nutu-Gajic and Peng 9.5 VP, Nana 8.5 VP, Zsuzsa 7.5 VP, Upi and Angela 6.5 VP, Thuan Hoa 6.0 VP, Maria 5.0 VP, Lisa 4.5 VP, Darmyanti and Sri Vidawati 3.0 VP, Imasniti 1.5 VP and Diah 1.0 VP. (lnt)