China, the women's champion in 2005, failed to conquer European giant and second seed Ukraine, losing 2-1.

Woman grandmaster Zhao Xue and teenager Hou Yifan were each held to a draw by their Ukrainian counterparts, while Wang Yu was stunned by 2005 European champion Kateryna Lahno.

The women's team tie with the USA at 9.5 points to stay at number four, while Russia tops the standings with 11.5 points.

On the men's side, China was defeated by top-seeded Russia 3-1, with Bu Xiangzhi and Wang Yue drawing and Zhang Zhong and Zhang Pengxiang lossing.

With this defeat China has dropped to place nine at 11.5 points, two lower than leaders Russian and Armenia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2006)