The German was victorious today against Lucas van Foreest from The Netherlands.

Coupled with a draw for Gawain Jones, the result lifts Blübaum top of the pile.

England's Jones - the top seed - was today held to a draw versus Iulian Baltag of Moldova, although it could have been worse not for some good escape play.

Russian Alexey Sarana is second in the standings and Frenchman Maxime Lagarde third, after both recorded their second wins of the event.

Icelandic number one Hjörvar Steinn Grétarsson is another player with two wins from two, and has been drawn against Blübaum tomorrow in one of the more eye-catching fixtures.

The tournament is being played using the Swiss system, and is set to conclude on September 5 after 11 rounds.