Berlinsky, Smirnov, Krylov leaders at end of 8th round

Margao, Oct 17 (UNI) Vladimir Berlinsky, Sergei Smirnov (WC 1998, 2000) and Sergei Krylov( WC 1978), all from Russia, are leading the table with 6.5 points each after the end of the 8th round of the XIth Individual World Chess Championship for the Blind in progress at Varca in South Goa.

The leader after round 7, Sergej Vasin of Ukraine, today lost to Russian Vladimir on the top of the table. Playing Sicilian Najdorg variation with black pieces, Vasin had a slight double bishop advantage. However, Berlinsky launched a powerful king side attack and gave up his queen for a rook and knight. Both castled on the queen side. Berlinsky, with a coordinated attack by two rooks, bishop and a knight, spread a net around Vasin's king. On the 34th move, Berlinsky played a nice NC7 move forcing Vasin to resign.

Top seed Krylov, who had a few setbacks in the last two rounds, recovered amazingly to regain the lead after round 8. He beat Frank Schellmann (Germany).

Sergej Vasin and three-time woman world champion and Turin Olympiad gold medalist Lubov Zsiltzova, both from Ukraine, and Carlos Larduet from Cuba are jointly placed second with 6 points each.

Zsiltzova beat Sretko Avram (Serbia) and Carlos Larduet beat Ryszard Suder (Poland).

Indians had a fairly good day today. Gaurav Gadodia, Shirish Patil, and Rajesh Oza won their respective matches, while Srikrishna Uddapa drew his game. Darshan Patel and Swapnil Shah lost their games.

The find round will be played tomorrow and decide as to who will stake claim to the World Chess Championship for the Blind.

Krylov has a great chance as he has had a very good progressive score throughout the championship. The other Russians Berlinsky and Smirmov are also not far behind.

UNI SRN MAZ DH VV2110