Back-to-back draw derails Nolte’s title chances in India GM chess

FILIPINO Grandmaster candidate Rolando Nolte scored back-to-back draws in the ongoing Vizag GM International Open Chess Championships in India to increase his tally to 7.0 points.

His latest draw was against Indian IM Lalith Babu MR in yesterday’s 10th round. So far, Nolte has 5 wins, 4 draws and a loss against Sanjay N of India in the third round.

Another Filipino entry GM Richard Bitoon also drew his 10th-round match with FM Maheswaran P of India. Bitoon earlier beat Malla Nooka Raju also of India. The Medellin, Cebu ace raised his total 6.0 points.

Meanwhile, overnight solo leader GM Abhijeet Gupta of India, notched his second straight draw after halving the point with countryman IM Sahaj Grover. Gupta also drew with GM Marat Dzhumaev of Uzbekistan in the 9th round and remained on top with 8.5 points.

In the 11th round, Nolte goes up against IM Srinath Narayanan of India while Bitoon battles IM Sudhakar Babu N of India.

The Filipino woodpushers’ stint here is supported by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. and Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo “Richie” Garcia.  Correspondent MARLON BERNARDINO