Harika draws with Karpov at Cap d’Agde tournament

Harika Dronavalli, playing with white pieces, threatened former World Champion Anatoly Karpov before settling for a draw.

“I had a great chance to win the first game," said Harika Dronavalli after drawing with the legendary Anatoly Karpov.

Grand Master Harika Dronavalli gave an inspiring performance to play out an entertaining draw against the legendary Anatoly Karpov on day four of the prestigious 14th Anatoly Karpov Rapid International Chess Tournament here.

Playing with white pieces in her round seven game against the former World Champion Karpov with an ELO rating of 2628, Harika, the lone Indian player at tournament, matched her opponent move by move.

She, however, could not capitalize on a good start and Karpov staved off a defeat in the game that lasted for 51 moves.

In the second game, she lost to Frenchman Etienne Bacrot in her second game of the day. Bacrot is the highest rated player in the tournament with an ELO rating of 2692.

“I had a great chance to win the first game," said Harika, "I was in better position in the middle and was slightly better than him all through the game. But unfortunately, I could convert my chances and had to settle for a draw.

“There are still few games left and I believe that if I can make them count, then I do stand to qualify for the knock-out stages."

Harika, who's fifth on the points table, will take on the Spaniard Sabrina Vega Gutierrez and local lad Matthieu Cornette on day five.