37th Magistral Ciudad de Leon: Vishy Anand beats Veselin Topalov, advances to the Final
Vishy Anand defeated Veselin Topalov (BUL) 2.5-1.5 in the first Semifinal of 37th Torneo Magistral de Ajedrez Ciudad de Leon. First game could have gone either player's way. Topalov had a good chance in the endgame of the second game. Anand struck in the third game when his opponent did not anticipate the kingside onslaught correct. The five-time Classical world champion could have finished things much earlier. Anand drew the fourth game in an advantageous position as it was enough for him to advance to the Final. The second Semifinal between Jamie Santos Latasa (ESP) and Arjun Erigaisi starts today at 4:30 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. IST. Anand has completed the first step of a dream final, Arjun needs to do his part today. Photo: Magistral de León
First step of Anand vs Arjun, dream final is complete
This Sunday, the world can possibly witness an epic final between Vishy Anand and Arjun Erigaisi. The maestro has done his part. Now the youngster, current India no.1 needs to do his.
Game 1: Topalov - Anand: 0.5-0.5
The first game between Veselin Topalov and Vishy Anand ended in a draw. It could have gone either player's way.
Game 2: Anand - Topalov: 0.5-0.5
Topalov had a chance in the endgame against Anand. However, it was not easy and the game eventually ended in a draw after 82 moves.
Game 3: Topalov - Anand: 0-1
In the third game, Topalov made an inaccuracy which cost him a pawn on his kingside and gave Anand a decisive advantage.
32.Raa7? exposed the vulnerability on the kingside Rxa7 33.Rxa7 Qg6 34.g3 Nxh3 35.Nf3 Qh5 36.Kg2 Re6 37.Nh4 now Qd1 would have ended things much earlier.
Schedule
Friday 28th June - First Semi-final: Veselin Topalov (BUL) vs Vishy Anand
Saturday 29th June - Second Semi-final: Jaime Santos Latasa (ESP) vs Arjun Erigaisi
Sunday 30th June - Final: Winner of Semi-final 1 vs Winner of Semi-final 2
Format
Each of the Playoffs will consist of four games of 20 minutes each + 10 seconds increment. If the score is tied after four games, the winner will be decided in games played with 5 minutes + 3 seconds increment.
Participants
World no.8 and India no.1 - Arjun Erigaisi, five-time Classical World Champion and World no.11 - Vishy Anand, former World Champion and World no.22 - Veselin Topalov (BUL) and Spain no.6 - Jaime Santos Latasa.