That Ukraine are the winners of the 2004 Chess Olympiad is as certain as tomorrow's sunrise. A brisk four-draw match vs Georgia conserved their safe advantage over the rest as Russia managed only 2½-1½ vs surprising Cuba and Armenia barely halved vs France. Ukraine were heading towards quick draw and it was all over after less than 2 hours of play. Today their top star Ivanchuk had his first rest day. Spain, the host nation, go on with their downwards slump as they lost to Uzbekistan. Disappointing Shirov lost his second consecutive game, this time vs FIDE World Champion Kasimdzhanov. Paco Vallejo was another let-down of the day for the Spaniards. Joel Lautier of France, the ACP president, beat Akopian to hurt Armenian hopes for medals. Israel did not make advantage of Armenia's slip-up as they only managed four draws vs USA. Poland lost to India in most exciting match of the day. Anand easily defeated Macieja at top board and Sasikirian sacrificed a Queen for pair of minor pieces and pair of passed pawns to go on for one of most brilliant victories of the Olympiad. All in all India won 2½-1½ -- enough to clamber to the medal zone? In a generation clash veteran Kortschnoj didn't feel like fighting and took a swift draw with white pieces vs Radjabov of Azerbaijan.

Standings: Ukraine 36½; Russia 33½; Armenia 33; Israel 32½; Cuba, USA and India 31½; Georgia and Bulgaria 31; France and China 30½.

Last round's top pairings: France-Ukraine, Russia-China, Armenia-Georgia (sweet revenge for 2002 debacle for the Georgians?), Israel-Cuba, India-Bulgaria, USA-Norway.

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