Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands), Jan. 29 (PTI): World Champion Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria, hung on to his slender half point lead after settling for a quick draw with Viswanathan Anand in the 12th and penultimate round of Corus Chess tournament here on Saturday.

Topalov moved to 8.5 points after playing it safe in the key encounter against Anand. The pundits of the game had predicted that Topalov will play it safe if he had a lead to back him against Anand and that's precisely what happened.

Anand also inched to 8 points after the draw and maintained his sole second position in the category-19 event.

Other games of the penultimate round were still in progress.

Topalov will meet defending champion Peter Leko of Hungary in the final round while Anand has to tackle Boris Gelfand of Israel.

Playing white against Anand, Topalov took things easy in a Ruy Lopez opening after he was surprised early by the Indian's choice of Arkhengelsk variation.

Going for routine exchanges around the centre and on the queenside, Anand ensured he got a fine position in the middle game and the peace was signed after just 23 moves.