Harika holds legendary Karpov

Cap d’Agde (France), Oct 25

Young Indian Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli gave an inspiring performance to play out an entertaining draw against the legendary Anatoly Karpov on Day Four of the 14th Anatoly Karpov Rapid International Chess Tournament. However, Dronavalli lost to Bacrot Etienne in her second game of the day.

Starting with white pieces in her seventh round game against the former world champion Karpov (ELO rating 2628), Dronavalli began on an attacking note and matched her opponent move for move. She, however, could not capitalise on her good start and Karpov staved off a strong challenge to escape with a draw in the game, which lasted 51 moves.

In the second game, Dronavalli was up against local favourite Etienne Bacrot. Dronavalli, the world No. 5 who had already lost to Bacrot in the tournament, went into the tie seeking retribution. However, the Frenchman walked away with a hard-fought victory.

Dronavalli said, “I had a great chance to win the first game. I was in better position in the middle and was slightly better than him but unfortunately, I could convert my chances and had to settle for a draw. There are still a few games left and I believe that if I can make them count, then I do stand to qualify for the knockout stages.”

Dronavalli, fifth on the points table, will take on Spain’s Sabrina Vega Gutierrez and local lad Matthieu Cornette on Day Five. — PTI