After overcoming Giri convincingly with the Black pieces in the first game, all Svidler had to do in the second game was to hold a draw from the White side. Svidler did exactly that as he held Giri without much fuss. With this result, the 7-time Russian champion has stormed into the Finals of this prestigious competition. A place in the Final of the World Cup also means a direct qualification to the Candidates Tournament 2016, which Svidler will now be eligible to play.
Meanwhile, the Karjakin-Eljanov encounter saw a quick draw in the English Opening. With the classical match tied 1-1, the duo will now fight for a final berth in the Tie-breaks to be played today.