Sasikiran faces defeat against Topalov at Mtel Masters

Sofia, May 14 (UNI) Krishnan Sasikiran found Veslin Topalov of Bulgaria too hot to handle and the former world champion inflicted on the Indian Grandmaster his first defeat in four rounds of the Mtel Super Grandmasters Chess Championship here.

Playing with White pieces, Sasikiran opened with Queen pawn (d4) and his opponent Veselin Topalov, who normally plays Slav Defence opted for a sharp line of Kings Indian Defence. After the initial moves, Topalov got hold of long diagonal having his Queen and Bishop coordinating in perfect harmony.

Sasikiran was forced to surrender two pawns but his active knight play gave some hope of counter attack. However, Topalov was tactical in the middle game and a brilliant Nf5 saw the Bulgarian sealing Sasikiran's fate in the 33rd move.

Speaking to UNI, Sasikiran said, ''I could not properly perceive the counter attack which cost me heavily despite playing a exciting game having lot of counter chances.'' It was Sasikiran's first loss in four matches after he drew his first two games and won the third. The Indian Grandmaster has dropped to joint third in the standings while Topalov climbed a place to fourth after yesterday's result.

Meanwhile, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan drew his match with and Romanian Liviu Dieter Nisipeanu to consolidate his position at the top. In this Queen pawn opening game both the players were cautious and refused to take any risk. After 22 moves the moves were being repeated and hence the arbiter declared it as drawn.

Michael Adams moved into sole second position after splitting points with Gata Kamsky in a marathon match that lasted over 6 hours.

Standing after 4th Round 1. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (3 points) 2. Michael Adams (2.5 points) 3. Krishnan Sasikiran and Liviu Dieter Nisipeanu (2 points) 4. Veselin Topalov (1.5points) 5. Gata Kamsky (1 point) 5th Round Pairing Liviu Dieter Nisipeanu vs Krishnan Sasikiran Veselin Topalov vs Gata Kamsky Michael Adams vs Shakhriyar Mamedyarov UNI