The Kazakh upset third-seeded Russian GM Mikhail Kobalia in the 10th round today. Following Sadvakasov a point behind was Greek GM Banikas Hristodoulos, who crushed Sergey Fedorchuk of Ukraine in just 31 moves of Sicilian Defence in a variation named after Russian GM Mark Taimanov.

India had a poor day in the boys' section as both RR Laxman and P Harikrishna crashed to defeats against Grandmasters Zhang Zhong of China and Dao Thien Hai of Vietnam, respectively.

Laxman and Harikrishna both lost a pawn and could not recover from the loss of material. Satyapragyan lost to IM Olli Salmensuu of Finland while Sandipan Chanda drew with eighth seed Soln Primoz in 49 moves of King's Indian attack by forcing perpetual checks.

Sasikiran had a long game with Bojan Vuckovic of Yugoslavia in King's Indiandefence and drew in 61 moves.

In the girls' section, India's Swati Ghate overcame technical problems in getting her IWM title when she completed a 10-round IWM norm today with a good win over 13th seed Ratcu Tatiana of Brazil in 42 moves of Sicilian Najdorf.

Swati, who had won two IWM norms in the nationals, qualified as she made the norm in an international event as well. Swati reached six points after her tenth-round victory, the same as Vijayalaxshmi Subburaman, who lost tamely to Weta Radniewicz of Poland in 36 moves of English opening.

In a major upset seventh seed Irina Krush of the US defeated top seed Monika Bobrowska of Poland in 36 moves of Reti Opening.

Overnight leader Hong Thang Trang of Vietnam continued to lead the table with 8.5 points after splitting the point with Lakos Nikolette of Hungary in 27 moves of Nimzo-Indian defence.

Koneru Humpy lost to Iroda Khamrakulova of Uzbekistan in 36 moves of French Defence while India No. 2 Pallavi Shah bowed to Isabel Werner of Germany. SwatiMohota was successful against Meenakshi Subburaman and Aarthie beat Surli Maja of Slovenia.