Spanish Grandmaster Paco Vallejo continues to hold the lead after winning a brilliant game with Black against the young International Master Lubbe Nicolas, as well as American Grandmaster Hans Moke Nieman. Of course, there is a large roster of graduate players who are accompanying the leaders.
The surprises were not long in coming, such as that of International Master Lars Ootes, who once again achieved an important half point against Norwegian Grandmaster Tary Arjan, teammate of world champion Magnus Carlsen.
