Online Nations Cup: China stands atop standings

China secures a victory over India and a draw with USA.

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand came up against a strong opponent in Ding Liren and the two agreed to sign peace in 54 moves.

China stood at the top of the points table after the fourth round of the Online Nations Cup.

China escaped with a 2-2 draw against Russia in the third round, thanks to Ding Liren’s superb win over Ian Nepomniachtchi after the talented Vladislav Artmiev had given his team the advantage, by beating Wei Yi. The two other games - Yu Yangyi and Sergey Karjakin and Aleksandra Goryachkina versus Ju Wenjun - ended in a stalemate.

In the next round, China defeated India 2.5-1.5.

READ |

Meanwhile, Europe rode on wins by Aronian and Nana Dzagnidze to thrash USA 3-1. Europe and USA have the same number of points after four rounds - five.

China is ahead of the field with seven match points and 10.5 board points.

The event follows the double round-robin format, with the two leading teams battling for the title in the Super-final.

All matches involve four boards -- represented by three men and a women player. The rapid time-control is 25-minutes plus 10-second increment per move.