India inches away from the rest

CHESS: India beat Australia (1) 2.5 to 1.5 to extend their lead over nearest rivals (Philippines and Uzbekistan) to 1.5. Philippines drew with Singapore (1) 2-2 and Uzbekistan beat Vietnam 2.5-1.5.

With just two rounds to go, India has collected 22.5 points, Philippines and Uzbekistan 21 each, Hungary 20.5 and Indonesia, Australia (1), Singapore (1) and Iran sharing fifth place 19.5 points.

International Master Wesley, so of the Philippines, playing Board 1, is the only player with a 100% score at the end of Round 8. Oshadi Kottahachchy, playing Board 4 for Sri Lanka (2) has 6.5 points out of a possible 8, and is in the running for a Board Prize should be performed well in the last two matches.

Sri Lanka (1) struggled against Australia (2), losing 1.5-2.5, while Sri Lanka (2) put together their best performance to date defeating

Australia (4) 3-1. Charuni Sulakshana, the only female in the contingent registered her first win of the tournament, defeating Ng Isaac.

Sri Lanka (1) is currently placed 25th and takes on South Africa, while Sri Lanka (2), placed 22nd, will meet Malaysia.