Leko v Carlsen Day 2

Carlsen leads at half way

The second day in Hungary packed a lot more punch than the first with two exciting games, one of which was decisive.  In the third game of the match, Magnus again played the Sicilian, but Leko tamely avoided a repeat of the Dragon by playing 3.Bb5+.  However, Leko then pressurised his young Norwegian opponent in a long game and gradually ground him down.  Just as it seemed the win was finally within reach, disaster struck on move 96 (!) and and Carlsen was relieved to escape with a repetition draw.

After coming so close to losing in game 3, Carlsen impressively outplayed Leko in game 4 with a nicely judged Kingside attack against the Caro-Kann using the often underestimated exchange variation.

So Carlsen leads 2.5-1.5 at the halfway point of this rapid match.  Friday is a rest day, so games 5 and 6 will take place on Saturday.