Portsmouth survived the second-half sending off of defender Matt Robinson to take Third Division Torquay back to Fratton Park for the second leg of this Worthington Cup first round tie on level terms.
Robinson, who had been a constant threat in the first hour from left wing-back, was dismissed after two bookings in the space of seven minutes midway through the second half.
His departure sparked a rousing finish by Torquay, who forced keeper Aaron Flahavan into a series of good saves to deny Eifion Williams, Tony Bedeau and substitute Jean-Pierre Simb.
Pompey boss Alan Ball said: "At half-time I wouldn't have been satisfied with the result, but they out-fought us in the second half and I thought a draw was okay in the end.
"I have no problems with the sending-off - it was two bookings and Matt was a bit late with the second foul.
"Yes, I believe we will beat them next week."