Malmo: GM Parimarjan Negi held higher-rated GM Vasilios Kotronias of Greece to a draw in the second round of 15th Sigeman And Co. International chess tournament.

Negi, who opened the category-13 event with a win over GM Jonny Hector, had to work hard for the half point. The Indian remained in joint lead on 1.5 points.

He shares the lead with top seed GM Ivan Cheparinov of Bulgaria, GM Tiger Hillarp Persson of Sweden and Kotronias.