Prasad completes second GM norm

DORTMUND, JULY 21. Former National champion D.V. Prasad completed his second Grandmaster norm with a draw in the tenth round of the Grandmaster Open here on Saturday.

All Prasad needed was a half point and he played securely to earn a 9-game Swiss norm. He has a 11-game norm from the Sakthi Grandmaster Tournament in Chennai of 1996 and will require a third norm covering atleast four games to become a Grandmaster.

Additionally, Prasad who drew IM Fabian Dottling with the white pieces in a Caro-Kann Defence in 25 moves is also in the lead on 7.5 points from ten games.

The leaders position remained unchanged as drawn games were the order of the day at the top. Prasad is jointly leading with GM Zoltan Varga (Hun), IM Davit Lobzhanidze (Geo), GM Adrian Mikhailchishin (Slv).

IM P. Konguvel, who had an easy game picking up pawns in the opening against FM Norbert Heck of Germany, is on 6.5 points. GM Ahhijit Kunte played his fourth straight draw, with the white pieces, against IM Janos Rigo of Hungary in 35 moves from a Grunfeld defence. He also is on 6.5 points.

- Our Chess Correspondent.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Topalov surprises Anand; surges into sole lead
Next     : India needs to get its act together