India's Koneru Humpy remained in joint lead with world champion Wenjun Ju with 4.5 points after a drawn game in the seventh round of the 2nd Cairns Cup here.
Humpy, the world rapid chess champion, had to settle for a draw with American Irina Krush in the seventh round late on Friday.
Dronvalli Harika, the other Indian in the fray, was held to a draw by another American Carissa Yip, who has bounced back strongly after four straight defeats with two wins and a drawn game.
Humpy, the Indian no.1, took on Krush in a Nimzo-Indian game and could not force a result as the American held on in 52 moves.
Harika with white pieces, was up against Yip who appeared to be regaining her form after a poor start and the two signed the peace treaty after 43 moves.
The Ju-Nana Dzagnidze game ended in a draw in 74 moves while former world champ Mariya Muzychuk claimed the only decisive game of the day, beating Russian Valentia Gunina.
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In the eighth round later on Saturday, Humpy will meet Gunina while Harika will be up against the challenge of Muzychuk.
Results: Seventh round: Koneru Humpy (India) 4.5 drew with Irina Krush (USA) 2.5; Dronavalli Harika (India) 3.5 drew with Carissa Yip (USA) 2.5; Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia) 4 drew with Wenjun Ju (China) 4/5; Alexandra Kosteniuk (Russia) 4 drew with Katernya Lagno (Russia) 3.5; Valentina Gunina (Russia) 2.5 lost to Mariya Muzychuk (Ukraine) 4.