Armenia’s grandmaster Vladimir Akopian had to work hard on the third board to save the match against Azerbaijan that went wrong after his less experienced teammate’s defeat on the fourth board.

In a dramatic Monday game against Rauf Mamedov, as part of the continuing World Team Championships in China, the Baku-born Armenian chess ace achieved a remarkable victory to tie the match 2-2 after Gabriel Sargissian’s loss to Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. Levon Aronian and Sergei Movsesian drew their games against Teimur Radjabov and Vugar Gashimov on the first and second boards, respectively.

The kind of result leaves Armenia in a good position to take the overall victory. With 13 points after eight rounds the team is two points clear of second-placed Ukraine. The two teams play in the ninth and final round scheduled for Tuesday, with Armenia needing a draw to claim the trophy.

So far Armenia’s unbeaten run at the World Team Championships in Ningbo also included victories against Israel, Egypt, China, India, Hungary, and draws against Russia and the United States.

For more information and the latest scores from the World Team Championships go here: ningbo2011.fide.com