Perhaps Russia enjoyed a touch of luck in the first round, but in the second match they pressed harder and demolished the strong team of Czech Republic by 3.5-0.5. GM Zbynek Hracek was the only to salvage a draw on the third board.
Replay all games with analysis here
The defending champion Azerbaijan won against the reigning World champion Armenia by 3-1. With black pieces they secured draws, while white color was converted into victories. (listen to interview with Levon Aronian here)
Bulgaria pulled a tie against the Olympiad winner Ukraine thanks to the gigantic effort from GM Alexander Delchev who saved inferior position. The same result was achieved in the match between Croatia and Hungary, despite GM Csaba Balogh’s optimism that his team will be able to win.
Video interview with GM Csaba Balogh
Greece shocked England, while Finland could not repeat the heroic effort from the first round and went down 0-4 against Poland. Scotland holds Denmark to a 2-2 tie.
Five teams are leading the standings with 4 points each. Round 3 match pairings are now available here.
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