Draws for Both U.S. Teams in Round 4

Tatev Abrahamyan drew her round 4 game, and the U.S. drew the match against Slovenia.

By Alex Marler

India was able to halt the U.S. team's winning streak in round 4 as the match ended in a draw with a score of 2-2. GM Hikaru Nakamura proved his tactical might once again with a win over GM Krishnan Sasikiran. GM Gata Kamsky played a blunder due to lack of time while trying to reach the next time control, and so lost to GM Pentala Harikrishna. GM Alexander Onischuk drew with GM Parimarjan Negi, and GM Varuzhan Akobian tried for a very challenging and exciting line against GM Abhijeet Gupta's Catalan, but after some early excitement the game petered out to a draw.

The U.S. Women's team drew Slovenia in round 4. IM Anna Zatonskih (2512) faced a serious opponent in GM Anna Muzychuk, rated 2606! Not only is Muzychuk one of the strongest female players in the world, she is also one of the strongest GMs in the world. The team strategy for this round was to play for a draw on board one and then win on the other boards, as IM Irina Krush, IM Rusa Goletiani and WGM Tatev Abrahamyan all outrated their opponents by at least 100 points. This sound strategy met practical difficulties as IM Goletiani lost her game. IM Krush beat Rozic and WGM Abrahamyan drew her game with Ana Srebrnic.