Draw helps Hari remain joint leader

Harikrishna could not make a real impression with his white pieces against Vescovi, who got on with his usual game putting behind his disastrous loss against Macieja in the previous round.

Harikrishna faced the Nimzo Indian and employed the capablanca variation which spelt no troubles for Vescovi. The middle game was balanced when the Brazilian struck early with his counter play on the queenside.

The Indian decided to play safe and the queens were off the board as early as on the 16th move giving a miniscule advantage to Harikrishna thanks to his bishop pair. The peace was signed in 42 moves when the players arrived at a rook and pawn ending with chances for neither side.

Dominiguez had started the tournament with a positional victory over Volokitin and in their second encounter the Cuban gave his younger opponent a taste of his own medicine showcasing the tactical prowess.

Dominiguez began with the Petroff defence that has a reputation of giving black equality more often than not. Volokitin, however, went for a risky variation that gave Dominiguez time to launch an attack against the king. Using the opportunity, Dominiguez played a spectacular piece sacrifice with his 17th move. Dominiguez later won the piece back and romp home in 47 moves.