New Delhi: Defending champion Viswanathan Anand played a draw with Chinese Liren Ding to share points in the second round of Bilbao Masters Final and remained on joint 2nd spot. With his second straight draw coming with white pieces, Anand is bound to be under pressure to retain his crown as he has three black games remaining in the last four rounds.

The draw against Liren Ding came after Anand did not convert a seemingly superior position against Dutch GM Anish Giri in the opening round.

Meanwhile, the game between American Wesley So and Giri also ended in a draw, leaving the standings unchanged. Wesley So took his tally to four points and remained two points ahead of Anand and Giri while Ding opened his account with one point.