Zhao Closer to Open Title

International master Zhao inched closer to an Australian Open title as he today outmaneuvered visiting GM Dejan Antic in their ninth round engagement. The visiting master is having one of those bumpy rides - a draw here against lower rated opposition, a win against Rogers and now a loss.



That crucial point puts Zhao on 8 points, the sole lead, and he can now happily just draw his remaining assignments to secure victory. Zhao will play Dr Vladimir Smirnov tomorrow who today scalped the head of Kiwi Hilton Bennett.

Blvhstein defeated Dusan Stojic in a sharp Najdorf Sicilian. The Canadian's extra pawn was a killer.

And Ian Rogers avenged his defeat last year, in the Doeberl Cup, to Igor Goldenberg by winning their game. GM Rogers once again closed the blinds on his opponent's hopes with a lovely Rook move.