Indian girls joint second after SA whitewash in World C`ships

Mardin: India scored an emphatic 4-0 victory over South Africa and jumped to joint second spot after the third round of the World Women`s Team Chess Championship.

Taking it easy, mainstay Koneru Humpy was rested for tougher battles ahead while D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Padmini Rout and Soumya Swaminathan scored fine victories to keep the team in contention for a medal in the premier team event. On a tough day for higher seeds, overnight joint leaders Georgia were defeated 1-3 by the Vietnamese while hosts Turkey sprang a major surprise and defeated Ukraine 2.5-1.5. The Russian women also could only manage a 2-2 draw with Greece that opened its account in match points after two losses. Chinese girls, meanwhile, continued with the demolition act and their 4-0 drubbing of the Armenians put them in sole lead with six match points. India and Russia share the second spot with five match points but the Indians are ahead at this juncture with 9.5 game points compared to Russia`s 7.5 points. Georgia and Vietnam are not far behind the leaders with four points apiece while Armenia and Turkey share the sixth spot with two points each. Ukraine, with just a lone draw with India in the opener, stands eighth alongside Greece while South African eves are yet to open their account in this 10-team round-robin tournament. In Humpy`s absence, Harika took charge of the top board and displayed top form to beat Cecile Van Der Merwe with black pieces. PTI