Morozevich has a tough struggle to secure a draw against Carlsen. Leko and Ivanchuk show some fighting spirit. The rest of the field take the day off.
Morozevich – Carlsen
Morozevich adopts an ancient variation out of an Open Ruy Lopez, allowing Carlsen to remove White’s potent light-squared bishop for the cost of a pawn. Morozevich returns the pawn, and Carlsen gradually takes over the initiative. Carlsen makes a slip in a complicated position, and both sides settle for the draw.
Leko – Ivanchuk
Ivanchuk adopts a Rubinstein French which gives Leko a slight edge. Ivanchuk sacrifices a pawn to free his position and hasten the endgame. Ivanchuk regains his pawn and simplifies into a drawn pawn endgame.
Anand – Topalov
In a Najdorf Sicilian Topalov avoids the … Be6 that got him into deep trouble against Ivanchuk earlier in the tournament. Topalov equalises comfortably, and a draw is agreed.
Aronian – Svidler
Aronian plays an eclectic variation of the Grunfeld that prevents Svidler from pursuing the typical strategic objectives of the opening. And a draw is declared very early on.