Harika holds Eljanov in first round

Malmo, May 11: Indian Grand Master Harika Drovalli staved off a strong challenge to eke out a thrilling draw against Ukrainian Grand Master and the highest rated player Pavel Eljanov in her opening round game of the TePe Sigeman and Co. chess tourment at the Hipp theatre here.

Harika, the lone Indian at the prestigious tourment, started with black pieces and had to be at her defensive best from the early stages here on Wednesday.

“My opponent attacked from the beginning and I countered with a defensive structure to contain the pressure,” the Guntur lass said after the match.

However, during the later stages of the game, Harika capitalised on an error made by her higher rated opponent which helped her regain lost ground.

“In a crucial moment, he allowed me to break the Queen side due to slight miscalculation and after that I got a tactical shot that helped in drawing the game comfortably,” the World No.10 Indian added. IANS