Leading Grand Masters Indian Krishnan Sasikiran, compatriot Negi Parimarjan along with Georgian GM Mikheil Mchedlishvili continue to be tied for the lead position having 4.5 points each, following yesterday’s fifth round of the Dubai Open Chess Championship held at the Dubai Culture and Chess Club in Dubai.

Sasikiran returned the King's Indian Attack of Greek GM Stelios Halkias who had been compelled to give a pawn in order to set his place free. Sasikiran with 2682 points is the highest rated player in the tournament. He was in control of the centre and emerged a winner with the 48th move.

Meanwhile, Mchedlishvili made use of the English opening. He pried open the castled king of Volkov with his Bishop sacrifice move and threaten mate to compel a resignation with the 52nd move. Due to this defeat, the erstwhile co-leader Volkov came down to the second running pack.

Further, Parimarjan made use of the Sicilian defence and concluded his match in a draw with 32 moves against the sacrificial attack by GM Csaba Balogh of Hungary. Due to the draw, Parimarjan was able to remain tied in the lead place with 4.5 points.