Ponomariov Takes Sole Lead In Dortmund

Ruslan Ponomariov was the only winner in round two at Dortmund, beating Vladimir Kramnik with surprising ease to take the sole lead with 2/2.

Ponomariov turned Kramnik's favourite weapon, the Catalan, against him to spectacular effect.  Kramnik struggled bravely, but never seemed to get into the game.

Peter Leko and Le Quang Liem also had chances to convert the white pieces into a point in their games, but were held by Mamedyarov and Naiditsch respectively.

Vladimir Kramnik's poor start is not yet fatal, but he will need to find his best form soon to acheive his 10th Dortmund title.

Ponomariov gives Kramnik a taste of his own medicine in round two (pictures from the official site)

The second round results: