He again paid back yesterday against of all Kramnik and won the whole point against the Russian player. For the Hungarian Peter Leko, likewise leading with 2 out of 3, this time could be the third time to win the Dortmund title after winning 1999 and 2002. Disappointing, however, is the performance of the Ukrainian superstar Vasily Ivanchuk.
Only two draws are far too little for the fourth-strongest player of the tournament. Loek van Wely from the Netherlands plays solid as always, but he so far only gained one point out of three games. Completing the field of participants is the young Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi (17) who played well-gained three draws.
All eight players are strong enough to play for their countries in the front line. All but the young Russian can be expected to be seen again from 12 to 25 November in Dresden.