Gujrathi holds Hracek, but slips to fourth spot

Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi managed to secure a draw against overnight joint leader Zybnyk Hracek of Czech Republic in the seventh round but dropped to the fourth position at the Grand Europe Golden Sands Chess Tournament here.
Playing the white side of a Queen's gambit declined, Gujrathi did not give any chance to Hracek and was seen pushing for initiative after both sides had castled on the queen side.
However, before Gujrathi could inflict a serious damage, Hracek was quick to spot a perpetual check that helped him remain in joint lead on six points.
Mils Grandelius of Sweden and Macedonian Vladimir Georgiev share the lead with Hracek. Gujrathi is positioned fourth now along side compatriot S Arun Prasad and four others.

After a third round loss, Arun Prasad has made a fine comeback. In the seventh round he had little troubles holding Dragisa Blagojevic of Montenegro to a draw.
Abhijeet Gupta tried but G N Gopal remained agile to earn a draw in the all-Indian affair.

Playing black Gupta employed the Berlin defense and after some technical display in the middle game, Gopal reached a pawn less rook endgame.
Gupta thought he had chances but Gopal's judgement proved perfect as he squeezed out a draw in 40 moves without any problems.
Gupta and Gopal moved to five points a tally also matched by Indian Grandmasters M R Venkatesh and Sahaj Grover, International Master Ashwin Jayaram and National women's champion Mary Ann Gomes who had a terrific victory in the seventh round against Argentinean GM Mareco Sandro.