Vladimir Kramnik Grabs Lead over Andrey Esipenko

The rapid section finished 4-2 in his favour.

The match between the 14th World Champion Vladimir Kramnik and the host, GM Andrey Esipenko, is underway in Rostov-on-Don. Denis Braslavsky, head of the city department of physical culture and sport, made a symbolic move in the first game of Day 2. 
 
After a series of tough defensive moves in the fourth game, Vladimir Kramnik suddenly made a mistake in the three-vs-two pawns rook ending, after which his opponent had all the chances to win, but failed to do so due to time pressure. In Game 5, the former World Champion managed to break down his young rival's bastions, but Game 6 had many fans on the edge of their seats. The initiative changed hands, the opponents were obviously tired, and in the final seconds it was Andrey Esipenko who made the final mistake. 

The score is 4-2 in Kramnik's favour.
 
Various additional events will take place on February 20. At 11 AM Andrey Esipenko will play 15 local top junior players, and at 2 PM Vladimir Kramnik will give a lecture for everyone. 
 
February 21, 3 PM, the opponents will start the blitz match. GMs Alexander Riazantsev and Dmitry Kryakvin will comment the games for the spectators.   

Info and photos are provided by the press service of the Match