Eight rounds are already completed in Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup in Dubai, UAE, with the last round due on April 23.

Armenia’s Robert Hovhannisyan won over Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu from Romania, Tigran L. Petrosian defeated Ukraine's Martyn Kravtsiv, and Davit Petrosian beat Russian Elmir Mirzoev in round 8.

Vladimir Akopian tied the game with Ukrainian Yuriy Kuzubov and Zaven Andriasian with Mikheil Mchedlishvili (Georgia).

Karen Grigoryan - Sergey Volkov (Russia), Avetik Grigoryan - G N Gopal (India) and Gevorg Harutjunyan - Alexander Kovchan (Ukraine) matches also ended in a draw.

GMs Akopian and Petrosian rank 5th and 6th with 6 points each. Tournament leader Normunds Miezis from Latvia has 6.5 points.

The last 9th round of Dubai Open Chess Championship will take place on April 23. The tournament winner will get USD10000, with 2nd and 3rd places receiving USD 7000 and USD 4000, respectively.

Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum will personally award the champion.