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Akopian maintains lead

Paul Eriksen in Las Vegas

Two quick draws in the second set of games of the semi-finals helped maintain status quo in the World Chess Championship at Las Vegas.

Thus, Vladimir Akopian, No. 36 in the world, continues to lead Michael Adams 1.5-0.5, while Alexander Khalifman and Liviu Dieter Nisipeanu are still tied 1-1 midway through the semi-finals, which is being played over four games each.

The Akopian - Adams game ended in a 16-move draw, whil Nisipeany and Khalifman battled for 28 before agreeing to call it a day.

On Sunday, Vladimir Akopian put himself in charge of his match against Michael Adams by provoking and then surviving a promising piece sacrifice from Adams and going on to win as black, Adams' sacrifice seemed to be taking him to victory but the position was pretty difficult to realise.

After the 30th move it looks as if Adams is losing a bishop by force. Although there are four games in the semi-finals a win with black puts Akopian in a very strong position.

Liviu Nisipeanu held Alexander Khalifman with black. However, in time-trouble missed 38.Ra1 which seems to win on the spot.

Adams, who was even money favourite for the event before the semis round 6, has now been quoted 7-4 after losing his first game. Akopian is at 9-4. Khalifman is being given odds at 5-2, while Nisipanu, the only player outside top 100 in the semis, is at 5-1, after being 100-1 at the start of the championhips.