Utut draws again in Beijing

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grand Master Utut Adianto had to accept the offer of a draw from Chinese Grand Master Xu Jun in the sixth Tan Chin Nam Cup, a 16-category chess championship, in Beijing on Monday.

Utut, who also tied with GM Wang Zili of China in the opener, was unable to restore his psychological condition. Both chess players agreed to draw in the 14th move using the Indian Queen defense.

"I was surprised when he offered me a draw because the match had yet to start. But since I held the black pieces I can accept the offer as it's not really too disappointing," Utut said from Beijing.

"It's difficult if a white pieces holder is satisfied with a draw. If Utut had forced himself to play, he could have lost the match. Xu Jun's elo rating is higher than Utut's and, as he held the white pieces, he would try to earn one point. The draw result is good enough for Utut," said the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) official in charge of athletes' development Eka Putra Wirya. (yan)