Humpy slips to tied fifth; Gustafsson in joint lead

Grandmaster Sandipan Chanda also conceded half point against lower ranked Drasko Boskovic of Serbia, while GM G N Gopal defeated compatriot International Master D Harika in a hard-fought game.

Overnight sole leader Jan Gustafsson of Germany also played out a predictable draw with white pieces against top seed Etienne Bacrot.

With two rounds to go, as many as four players — Gustafsson, Sergei Movsesian of Slovakia, Spaniard Francisco Vallejo Pons and Michael Adams of England emerged as the joint leaders on seven points.

On 6.5 points each, Humpy, Chanda and Gopal share fifth place along with nine others.
Among other Indians in the fray, Tania Sachdev displayed good form to beat Yves Duhayon of Belgium while International Master V Saravanan accounted for Francois Weber of Spain.  Eesha Karavade drew with Russian Sergey Fokin but Kruttika Nadig went down to Peter Flermoen of Norway.

Humpy played a chance less draw against Kamsky. Playing the white side of a Fianchetto Slav, the Indian got a good position out of the opening and held it together.
Important results (round 9, Indians unless stated): Jan Gustafsson (Ger, 7) drew Etienne Bacrot (Fra, 6.5); Sergei Movsesian (Svk, 7) bt Stelios Halkias (Gre, 6); Alexander Naumann (Ger, 6) lt to Francisco Vallejo Pons (Esp, 7); Michael Adams (Eng, 7) bt Damian Lemos (Arg, 6); Koneru Humpy (6.5) drew Gata Kamsky (Usa, 6.5); Sandipan Chanda (6.5) drew Drasko Boskovic (Srb, 6.5); Pontus Carlsson (Swe, 5.5) lt to Daniel Fridman (Ger, 6.5).