Moscow FIDE Grand Prix 2017: Harikrishna holds Francisco in second round

Indian Grand Master P. Harikrishna played out a thrilling draw against Spanish GM Francisco Vallejo Pons in the second round of the Moscow FIDE Grand Prix 2017.

Harikrishna now has one point after two rounds in this nine-round Swiss tournament which offers an illustrious prize money of 130,000 euros.

Indian Grand Master P. Harikrishna played out a thrilling draw against Spanish GM Francisco Vallejo Pons in the second round of the Moscow FIDE Grand Prix 2017 here.

The World No.16 Indian, playing with black pieces, was surprisingly put on the back foot in the 11th move of the game.

“I was surprised with my opponent’s move with b3 as it was very simple, yet very interesting and gave him an edge over me because of my double pawns and more active pieces,” Harikrishna said after the match.

However, the Hyderabadi did not lose hope after being pushed into a tough position and had to be at his defensive best to stave off the challenge from his Spanish counterpart in a game that lasted for 82 moves.

“After being pushed back initially, I played a few inaccurate moves and had to defend the game from thereon which I eventually did,” he added.

At the end of day two, Harikrishna now has one point after two rounds in this nine-round Swiss tournament which offers an illustrious prize money of 130,000 euros.