Harikrishna plays draw with Radjabov in Geneva chess meet

Indian Grand Master Pentala Harikrishnas clash against table topper Teimour Radjabov of Azerbaijan led to a draw after an enthralling fourth-round encounter here at the FIDE Grand Prix.

On Sunday, the World No. 22 Indian, playing with black pieces, tried all the tricks up his sleeve but the Azerbaijani GM was at his defensive best and led the game towards neutral territory after one and a half hours of drudgery.

"The game was pretty solid today as many pieces were exchanged in quick succession. But, unfortunately it just led to a draw," the 31-year-old from Guntur said after his game.

After the end of four rounds, Harikrishna has won one and drawn three games to amass a total of two and a half points. He will be taking on the Russian GM, Ian Nepomniachtchi, in his fifth-round encounter later on Monday night.

"Ian is an interesting player and our game in Moscow was quite interesting and I emerged victorious in that one. I am hoping for a stellar game today as well," the second placed Indian said ahead of his clash.

--IANS

sam/gau/vt