Indian Grandmasters enjoy decent outing in Ordix Open

Mainz, Aug 19 (UNI) Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna managed a draw in the fifth round to garner 4.5 points from five games, while Sasikaran lost the fourth game but came back strongly to clinch the fifth game to take his tally to four points on the first day of the two day 11 games Ordix Open at Rhinegoldhalle here.

Harikrishna, started the day in a blaze, winning the first four games with ease. He then drew his last game to end up with 4.5 points in five games.

''Today I played better than in chess960. I won first four games but due to short of time I had to accept a draw from my opponent. I think 4.5 fro 5 games is a good result and If I can perform as good as I have done today I will certainly have a good position,'' the 45-ranked Harikrishna told UNI after the game.

The other Indian in the fray, Sasikaran (37th ranked) also showed his class by winning the first three games in no time. He lost the next game, but won the last game to bagged four points from five games.

Meanwhile, Vessely Ivanchuck won the all his fifth round games to lead jointly with five others on the first of the Ordix Open.

Ivanchuk won all his 5 games. In the fifth game he fought a long battle against Naiditsch to get the game in his favour.

On the other top table Mamedyarov defeated Drozodovsky to remain a part of the first six players.

On the second day six more games are to be played and the Championship is still wide open.

A record number of 72 Grandmasters from all over the world were part of the 761 Chess players, largest gathering of chess players ever at Chess Classics till date.

Top players like Ivanchuck, Shirov, Grischuck, Akopian, Almasy, Sergissian, Mamedyarov ,Gata Kamsky, Karjakin,Sasikiran, Harikrishna and World's Youngest Grandmaster India's Parimarjan Negi have all taken part in the competition.

Top Boards Standing after Five Rounds: 1-6 Vessely Ivanchuck, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, V Akopian, I Khenkin, D Navara and Sergissian all on (5 points).

7-12 Pentala Harikrishna , Alexander Grischuk, G Meir,K Landa,I Lysij, and A Ilijn on (4.5 points).

UNI