Top-seeded GM Michael Kransekow held

Mumbai, May 12 (UNI) The heat of the metropolis was experienced by Polish GM and top-seeded Michael Kranskow in the 2nd round of the Mumbai Mayor&LIC of India's International Chess Tournament, at the Goregaon Sports Club here, as he was held to a draw by lowly rated V S Negi of Delhi.

Kransenkow, playing Black, employed the Modern Defense in reply to the King Pawn opening of Negi. Development went on equal footing however, Negi played safe by exchanging most of the pieces by move 20. Kransekow tried to complicate the matter but was not able to make any headway and agreed for a truce in 32 moves.

On the 2nd board, World's number 2 woman player, Koneru Humpy was in her elements as she crushed Niladri Bhatttacharya from the White side of Queen Pawn Opening. With a pawn sacrifice on move 24, Humpy secured a good outpost for her Knight and won an exchange on move 34. With no counter-play, Niladri resigned two moves later.

On the 3rd board, Rajendra Shrestha found the going too tough against GM Bartlomiej Macieja in the Sicilian Defense game to go down in 41 moves.

GM Ubilava, who is more renowned as a very good Chess trainer struggled in the 2nd successive round today before overcoming Paramasivam in 65 moves.

Meanwhile, GM Merab Gagunashvili of Georgia crushed Ashish Thatte in just 29 moves of the irregular opening.

The Rs 11 lakh prize money tournament is the biggest Indian Open and has attracted a record 436 players from all over the world. The games on top 20 tables are being transmitted live on internet via the Monroi System.

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