Sports: Anand outplays Ponomariov

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Leon, Spain, July 7 : World number one Viswanathan Anand defeated Ruslan Ponomariov 3-1 in the first semi-final at the 20th Ciudad de Leon chess tournament here.

Anand, who is playing as the defending champion, will play in the final on Sunday against the winner of the semi final between Veselin Tiopalov and Rustam Kasimdzhanov to be played today.

The Indian grandmaster outplayed his Ukrainian rival in the first two games and then drew the remaining encounters to make it a clear 3-1 verdict. He has won the Leon event on six occasions previously.

The first game was a French Opening in which Anand played with white pieces and he used the space advantage very well in the end.

Though Pono played a surprise as early as on the sixth move, Anand built an advantage early. Pono gave up after 46 moves.

In the second game, which was Ruy Lopez, Anand with black pieces played the Marshall and Pono avoided the mainline theory. Anand completed a fine win in 50 moves after a great opening variation, excellent middle game and smooth ending.

The next two games were drawn.

UNI