Topalov beat Vallejo to play Leon Rapid final against Anand.

By Vijay Kumar

Leon, Spain 11th June 2006. The world Chess champion Bulgarian Grandmaster Veselin Topalov played some excellent rapid games to beat Pons Vallejo 2½–1½. In the second Semi final of the Ciudad de Leon Rapid Chess Championship being held here in the beautiful town of Leon well known for its Gothic Architecture.

In the match for the Coveted Title Veselin Topalov will play against World No 2 and World Rapid Champion Viswanathan Anand.

In the First rapid game game Topalov outplayed Vallejo in the endgame on the White side of the Classical Caro-Kann. In game 2 the Spaniard was close to avenge his defeat as he was a pawn up and captured important squares, but luch did not favovoured him as he blew it up after a few mistakes. With 2 games left Vallejo was in a "must win" situation. His opening choicein the 3rd game was not great and he gradually got into trouble again. Topalov chose the safest line, which allowed Black off the hook, but secured the overall victory in the match for the Bulgarian. The Spainard however came back with a solid play and took a moral revenge winning the last game but losing the match to Topalov 1.5- 2.5.

Topalov will now meet Anand in the Finals of the Ciudad de leon to be played on Sunday.