Malmo: Grand Master Harika Dronavalli staved off a strong challenge to eke out a thrilling draw against Ukrainian Grand Master and the highest rated player Pavel Eljanov in her opening round game of the TePe Sigeman and Co. chess tournament at the Hipp theatre here.

Harika, the lone Indian at the prestigious tournament, started with black pieces and had to be at her defensive best from the early stages here on Wednesday. However, during the later stages of the game, Harika capitalised on an error made by her higher rated opponent which helped her regain lost ground. The Guntur girl is on track.