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.