Muralikrishna outplays Himanshu

Mangalore, Jul 25 (UNI) Newly titled IM Muralikrishna outplayed IM Himanshu to join GM Barua on the top of the table, with a total 8.5 points apiece from 10 rounds at the Second Mangalore All India Open Fide Rated Chess Tournament-2008 being held here.

Four players namely GM Thipsay, IM Prakash, Praveen Kumar and Nirmal were following the suit with eight points each. Still one more round to go, the event was interestingly poised.

GM Barua of WB playing the black side of the Slav defense with IM Balasubramaniam of TN on the top board converted his middle game advantage with a passed pawn in a Rook and Knight ending and romped home with the important point. The game ended in 40 moves.

On the second board, IM Muralikrisha responded with the exchange variation of Slav defence, the 12th move played by IM Himanshu gave some advantage to Murali. Later, an error in the 25th move losing a piece, Himanshu resigned on the 26th move.

C Praveen Kumar of Tamil Nadu stopped the giant killer Amrutha Mokal of Maharashtra in 49 moves. Though the game was heading for a draw, inaccurate play by Amrutha in the Rook ending allowed Praveen Kumar to catch the second spot.

IM Laxman faced a shocking defeat at the hands Sagar Shah of Maharashtra in 52 moves.

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