Ivanchuk wins second semi-final in Leon

Ivanchuk defeats Shirov in Spain

Vassily Ivanchuk (pictured) continued his run of good form with a victory over Alexei Shirov in the second semi-final of the Leon tournament in Spain.  He now meets the World Champion and top ranked player in the world, Vishy Anand in the final.

Ivanchuk won the opening two games - both exciting Sicilians - to put Shirov's back to the wall.  Despite Shirov's best efforts Ivanchuk held on in the 3rd game and the meaningless 4th game was also drawn, to leave Ivanchuk the winner by a score of 3-1. 

Ivanchuk's impressive recent result at the Mtel Masters looks set to lift his ranking to number 3 or 4 in the world on the next rating list (due out 1st July).  Rapid games don't count for ratings, but a win against Anand in the final in Leon would be a big psychological boost.