
The XXVII Master's City of Leon has commenced. The tournament features only four players in a unique weekend tournament. A knock-out system is being used and the games are being played on a rapid time control.
The players are two Spaniards and two Chinese. From left to right: Salgado, Vallejo Pons, Hou Yifan, Wei Yi.
The first semi-final was between current Women's World Champion Hou Yifan and the strongest Spanish player, Francisco "Paco" Vallejo Pons, who will lead the Spanish team in the Tromso Olympiad.
A big stage and beautiful displays are in position for the duels
The format is four games of 25+10, with additional games played if a tie-break is needed. The first match was very tense with many interesting moments.
Game one was definitely the least eventful. Hou Yifan had the white pieces and she was unable to get anything concrete in a Berlin defense, and the game ended in a draw.
The World Champion was satisfied with her openings with White,
but with Black is was a little bit of a disaster
Vallejo was the first one to strike and he did so in game two. A well played Maroczy bind left him with a clear advantage and in a swift tactical stroke he emerged up the exchange and he converted without any problems. Vallejo had good chances to seal off the match in game three:
Vallejo has recently taken up the Taoist philosophy, and this he claimed helps
him focus after a tough loss. It certainly worked in this match!
With this result Vallejo moves on to the finals of the tournament, and awaits the result between Wei Yi and Salgado.
Salgado and Wei Yi play today. Catch the action in the official website or on playchess.com
Leontxo Garcia is leading the live commentary on the official website and always
has interesting guests coming into the show (in Spanish).
Select games from the dropdown menu above the board
LinksThe games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 12 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs. |