Topalov down Vallejo to set a date with Anand in final

Leon, Spain, June 11 (UNI) World Champion Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria outsmarted Francisco Vallejo-Pons of Spain in the second semi-final here to set up a title clash with Viswanathan Anand in the Leon Rapid Chess Championship here.

Topalov played some excellent rapid games to beat Pons Vallejo 2.5-1.5 to make it a mouthwatering World Champion versus World Rapid Chess Champion final.

In the first rapid game, Topalov outplayed Vallejo in the endgame but survived some jitters before drawing the second as the Spaniard failed to tighten the noose at critical junctures.

With two games left, Vallejo was in a must win situation. His opening choice in the third game was not great and even though Topalov chose the safer line, the Bulgarian secured the overall victory and a ticket for final.

The Spainard, however, came back to win the fifth and inconsequential game.

UNI XC DH PDS PM1455