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Khalifman maintains lead

Grandmaster Alexander Khalifman (1.5 points) maintained his lead with a short draw with white pieces in the second game of the six-game World Chess championship final against Armenian Grandmaster Vladimir Akopian (0.5).

The sharing of points saw the tall, well-built Russian move closer to the champion's purse of $6,60,000.

As expected, the hardworking Khalifman changed his opening to keep the 27-year-old Akopian guessing all the time. On his turn, the Armenian employed a little known move on the fifth in Nemzo Indian defence.

According to Grandmaster Kharitonov of Russia, commenting live on Internet, Khalifman could have gone for an attack on the 14th and 15th moves. However, the 33-year-old Russian preferred not to take undue risks and the game was drawn after his own suggestion after 18 moves.

Vladimir Akopian will open with white pieces in the third game.

UNI