Nisha's performance was creditable as she is meeting a GM for the first time in her career. Romanian Vajda played Benoni defence against a Queen Pawn opening by Nisha.

Going out of the book, Nisha sacrificed two pawns to get more space and play in the centre, but missed some chances for clear-cut advantage. She regained the pawns but the game ended in a draw.

Kidambi, defeated Zhao-Zung-Yuan (1) of Australia. Zhao played Slav defence which was converted to Dutch stonewall. Kidambi opened the centre and got the advantage of two bishops and attacked the King side. He won the exchange and emerged victorious in the 37th move.

Zhang Pengniav (3.5) of China defeated Arutiunian Dant (Georgia) to share the lead with GM Asrian Kaven (3.5)of Armenia. Kaven played a quick draw on with GM Gatkin Alexander (3) of Russia.

In the girls' section, all the top five boards ended in draw. Kouvatsum Maria (3.5) of Greece is the sole leader.

Vijayalakshmi wins

VUNG TAU CITY: IWM S Vijayalakshmi scored a fluent win against Dang Bich Ngoc of Vietnam to maintain her challenge but National champion Krishnan Sasikiran opted for a quick draw and lost his grip from the top position in the boy's event at the Asian Junior Chess Championship here today.

Top seed and GM norm holder Sasikiran (6.5) went for a quick 17-move draw against compatriot Tejas Bakre (5.5) on the second board and slipped to second position behind Malaysia's Mas Hafizulhelmi.

The Malaysian, with seven points, beat Nguyen Hoai Nam of Vietnam (5.5) in the ninth round today to claim the sole top position. China's Liang Cheng (6) defeated Ahmed Aziz of Iran (5) and is in the joint third place with Laylo Darwin of the Philippines beat Nguyen Thai Binh of Vietnam. Bakre, Hoai Namare both on the fourth place with 5.5 points each.

In the girl's section, Pallavi Shah (4.5) drew with Nguyen Thai Dung of Vietnam (4) while MR Sangeetha (3) lost to Bui Nu My of Vietnam (5). China's Wang Yu (8) toppled Vietnam's TN Aiao Chau (4) to maintain her lead in the girl's event. Le Kim (7.5) of Vietnam opted for a quick draw against teammate Nguyen Ng Binh (4) for the second place.