FIDE Grand Prix: Akopian-Ponomariov set to end in draw

But the longest game was played between Ruslan Ponomariov and Vladimir Akopian. Akopian did not manage to solve his opening problems, and Ponomariov created strong pressure at the opponent’s position. Prior to the first control Akopian carried out an exchange combination, however, despite very limited material, Ponomariov developed a dangerous attack. Akopian had to show a lot of determination and creativity in order to survive, and was rewarded by a draw on the 96th move.