The main sensation of the second round was a draw for the rating-favoutie Yan Nepomniaschtchi, who played white against international master Nikita Matinyan. The game went on for five hours. In the endgame it was a bishop and a rook against a rook, and Yan was only able to escape a defeat by being very precise in defence.

- Had anyone told you before the start of the game that playing black you would be able to achieve a draw against a supergrandmaster, would you have been happy with such an outcome?

- Yes, naturally. Even now, when I look at the result alone, I can honestly say that it was a fantastic achievement. However, considering how the events unfolded and the fact that I had a domineering advantage, maybe even a winning position and I was not able to win... it upsets me a lot.

- It was obvious in your attempts to checkmate your opponent with a bishop and a rook against a rook - using all 50 moves. Were you really counting on breaking through the defence of such a master as Nepomniaschtchi?

- I was looking for an opportunity, but Yan's defence was flawless. There was nothing left for me, but to sign a draw.

- Have you already discovered which opportunities you missed?

- More or less, I will analyse it in greater detail later.

- The competition is going well for you so far, 1.5 points out of 2...

- Well, it's just the beginning. I often compete at the Moscow Open. But always I've come up short from performing successfully.

- Where are you from? Tell us about the hero of the round...

- I am from Saratov. I train alone right now. I am an international master. Chess is a serious job for me, I compete professionally. I represent Saratov State Social and Economical University, which I have graduated from. I hope this time I will be happy with my performance at the Moscow Open.

- You were speaking with Yan for a long time after the end of the game. What were you talking about, analysing?

- Yes, we spent ten minutes talking about the moment where I could have executed a decisive move. It's a pity that I was unable to find it over the board.