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The USA and Ukraine played to a 2-2 draw. On board #2 Shabalov trotted out the Sveshnikov and sacrificed two central pawns for an attack. White's king stood dangerously in the line of fire and the black rooks came whizzing down the center. However, more sacrifices by Shabalov could get him no more than a ½-point. On board three, Eljanov-Goldin featured an interesting Grunfeld where black sacrificed the queen for two active minor pieces, but nonetheless another draw. The two other games were also drawn and the two teams split the match points.
On other top board Russia beat France on the weight of Peter Svidler's win over ACP President, Joel Lautier. Thus Russia carved into Ukraine's lead. Armenia blasted Slovenia 3½-½ and like the Bled Olympiad, is piling up points in the latter rounds. Cuba beat India 2½-1½ as Jesus Nogueiras beat Abhijit Kunte for the decisive game. Anand took a rest for the final medal push. Finally, Azerbaijan won a thrilling match over Bulgaria to keep pace. On board #4, Gadir Guseinov mated Vasil Spasov with minor pieces in a brilliantly played game.
Standings
1st: Ukraine-29
2nd: Russia-27
3rd: Armenia-26½
4th: USA-26
5th-7th: Israel, Azerbaijan, Cuba-25
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