Only one win but plenty of action in round 2! Erigiasi is now in the lead with a 100% start to the tournament.
Adams-Grandelius
Grandelius equalised comfortably against Adams’ Najdorf Sicilian. Exchanges resulted in an opposite coloured bishop ending and a subsequent draw.
Navara-Niemann
Niemann’s opening preparation seemed to lack somewhat as Navara quickly gained the upper hand in an Italian game. Navara played very ambitiously and swooped in for a risky pawn grab with 21.Qxb7. A few moves later he followed up with queen sacrifice and the game became very complicated. In the end Niemann forced a draw by perpetual checks.
Shirov-Van Foreest
The game began in the advance variation of the Caro-Kann but soon departed from the more well known theory. Everything looked balanced until Van Foreest managed the interesting piece sacrifice 24…Be6 in white’s time trouble. Under pressure Shirov found the best defence and managed to steer the play into a drawn rook ending.
Erigaisi-Salem
Erigaisi played the Fantansy variation against Salem’s Caro-Kann. 19…c4 by black was probably a mistake and with a closed centre Erigaisi could mount a forceful attack on the kingside. No breakthrough could be found, but instead white simplified into a endgame with a clear advantage that led to the win.