Grandmaster Swati Ghate scored a thumping victory against higher ranked International Master Nana Dzagnidze of Georgia and helped the Indian eves salvage a draw against third seed Georgia in the fourth round of the Women's chess Olympiad in Turin.
Grandmaster and the highest ranked girl in the World Koneru Humpy's wining streak was halted by seasoned Georgian Women Grandmaster Nino Khurtsidze on the top board while Mary Ann Gomes went down against experienced WGM Lela Javakhishvili before Ghate carved out a fine attacking victory to draw parity with the former champions.
On a day that gave a just indication of the mighty Russians, who blanked overnight sole leader Lithuania with a 3-0 margin, the supremacy of defending champion China came under scrutiny by the Ukrainian dames, who scored a 2-1 win.
With nine rounds still to come, Russia took sole lead with 11.5 points out of a possible 12 and is now sitting on a huge 1.5 points ahead of nearest rival Ukraine.
Three teams -- USA, China and Bulgaria share the third spot on 9.5 points while there are five teams right on their heels with 9 points apiece. The Indian eves are next in the standings, with 8.5 points, sharing the 11th spot with six others.
Humpy tried hard and came close to lead India to an upset victory over Georgia but for the perseverance of Nino Khurtsidze on the top board.