China made another huge step towards the World Championship title as they squeezed today the titleholders Ukraine to retain half of a point advantage over Russia. Ni Hua sealed China's win defeating Moiseenko who blunder under zeitnot in the sharp Kingside biased game. Russia's only win vs Armenia came from board #4 player Bareev who easily ran over Anastasian. USA moved up to third ruthlessly defeating Chinese women while Georgia scored their very first match victory beating underperforming Cuba.

The prospects for future stay unclear. Although Russia will receive a bye (and no points) tomorrow China are yet to face three strongest teams of the event including the last round hit encounter vs Russia. We may safely assume that the Russians will beat Chinese women by 4-0 so that China need to scarpe at least dwo draws in rounds 7-8 in order to be in front before the last round starts. Anyway, it seems like China and Russia are sure to take top two spots. Ukraine are perhaps favourites to take the bronze since they have easiest opposition to play.

Standings after six rounds: China 16; Russia 15.5; USA 11.5; Armenia 11; Ukraine 10.5; Israel 10.

Read Alon Greenfeld's extensive reports from WTCh official site: round 1; round 2; round 3; round 4; round 5.

Read ChessBase's illustrated report.

Find complete results, games and statistics of rounds 1-6 at OlimpBase's page