Harikrishna begins with a draw at Shakmir Chess

The World No. 14 Indian had to share the spoils against his higher-rated Russian counterpart after a long and hard fought match which lasted a total of 40 moves

Harikrishna couldn't force a win on the opening day.

Shakmir (Azerbaijan)

Indian Grandmaster Pentyala Harikrishna started his campaign by settling for a draw against Sergey Karjakin of Russia in Shakmir Chess today.

The World No. 14 Indian had to share the spoils against his higher-rated Russian counterpart after a long and hard fought match which lasted a total of 40 moves. From the initial stages of the match, Sergey wanted to catch the Indian by surprise, but the Hyderabadi lad handled the situation tactfully and led the game towards neutral territory.

Both the players, with time ticking by, had to settle for a draw at the end of day one. Harikrishna was on the fifth position at the points table.

The 10-man round robin tournament, which offers a prize purse of 100,000 euros with 25,000 euros for the winner, will see Harikrishna vie for a better spot in the table tomorrow.