London: In round two of the London Chess Classic 2011, reigning World Champion and NIIT Mind Champion Viswanathan Anand had the best look at his illustrious opponents playing styles and strengths, for he was assisting the commentary team as he had a ‘bye’ in this round.

The odd number of entries, ie 9 in this event is a deliberate attempt at enthralling and entertaining the audience with the participating players giving their take on other games as one player receives a ‘bye’ each day.

However there was plenty of exciting action on all the boards with Vladimir Kramnik defeating Nigel Short, Levon Aronian losing way in a better position to end on the losing side against Hikaru Nakamura, Magnus Carlsen maintaining his poise and nerves to salvage a draw in a lost looking position against Luke McShane while Englishmen David Howell and Michael Adams ended the day with the honours shared.

Carlsen, Kramnik and Nakamura have emerged joint leaders with four points each while Adams and McShane follow behind with two points each. Anand, Aronian and Howell have logged one point each but Anand has a game on hand while Short has not started scoring and he too has a game on hand.

3 points are awarded for a victory while a draw garners one point in this event where the Classical time control is implemented.

Anand was with the commentators for an hour and was his usual witty self as he commented on the games in progress.

Anand will take on David Howell in the third round with the White pieces.