The Indian men's team, which held a slender half point lead going into the final round, finished with 22.5 points but Uzbekistan blanked lowly New Zealand 4-0 to edge past them and clinch the title with 23 points.

Three teams India, Kazakhstan and the Philippines tied for the second spot but the Kazakhs bagged the sliver on better tie-break score. The Philippines finished fourth.

India had also won a bronze medal in the women's section which ended yesterday.

In the final round, National champion Krishnan Sasikiran played a fine tactical game with white pieces to outwit Liu Dede in a Slav Defence game on the top board.

Sasikiran made an excellent manoeuvre with his knight to win a couple of pawns and converted the material advantage into a fine win with precise play.Double GM norm holderAbhijit Kunte won a tactical game against Jusvanto Denny. With the Indians needing full points from all boards to keep the Uzbeks at bay, skipper DV Prasad went for the kill and lost to Cerdas Barus.

IM GB Prakash drew his game against Wahano Awam after a long battle in the Slav Defence. Initially Prakash had an overwhelming position, but gradually the advantage drifted in his opponent's favour. Prakash, however, played well to draw the rook and bishop ending with one pawn down.

Indians' individual tally (from nine games): Sasikiran 5.5; Kunte 6; Prasad 5.5 and Prakash 5.5.

Results (final round): India bt Indonesia 2.5-1.5; Vietnam lost to Kazakhstan 1-3; Iran lost to The Philippines 1-3; Tajikistan lost to China `A' 1-3; Uzbekistan bt New Zealand 4-0.

Final placings: Uzbekistan 23 points, Kahakhstan 22.5; India 22.5; Philippines 22.5; China `A' 22; China `B' 22; China `C' 21.5; Indonesia 20.5; Iran 20.5; Vietnam 19.