Utut shares lead in chess meet

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto shared the lead with two Russians in the Grandmasters chess tournament in Calicut, India, Sunday.

Utut, GM Yurtaev and GM Komliakov all scored 2.5 points.

In a game Sunday lasting five hours, Utut defeated International Master Devaki Prasad of India in the 52nd move of the Queen Indian opening.

Yutaev won over IM Murugan of India while Komliakov drew with IM Sashikiran, also of India.

Utut said he rejected Prasad's call for a draw in the 35th move.

"I was in the midst of victory as I pressed Prasad to a checkmate. Prasad couldn't avoid the pressure and laid down his King," Utut said.

On Saturday, Utut beat GM Thipsay of India in the 33rd move of the Sicilian Dragon defense and drew with Sashikiran, on Friday.

Today, Utut faces IM Abhijit Kunte, another Indian, and plays the black piece. Abhijit is India's champion and also the Asian junior champion.

The Indian meet is held to commemorate the country's 50th golden anniversary and continues until March 17. Five GMs and seven IMs are competing in the tournament.

Results: Kunte vs GM Barua 1.5-1.5, Adianto-Prasad 1-0, MI Ziaur Rachman vs Thipsay 1-0, Komliakov vs Sashikiran 1.5-1.5, MI Lanka Ravi vs MI Konguvel 1.5-1.5, Yurtaev vs Murugan 1-0.

Standings: Utut, Yurtaev, Komliakov 2.5 points, Rachman, Sashikiran, Kunte 2, Barua 1.5, Prasad, Lavi 1, Konguvel, Murugan 0.5, Thipsay 0. (lnt)