THE Philippines’ pride, GM Wesley So, did it again.
So brought down world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway, 2.5-1.5, to rule the US$100,000 (P5 million) Euro Opera Rapid of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour on Monday.
It was the second title in the cash-rich chess tour for So, the 27-year-old Bacoor, Cavite-born Filipino champion who now represents the United States.
“It’s big, it’s totally unexpected to beat Magnus in any matches. It’s a huge honor and a real pleasure to do so,” said So in an interview with the tournament website, championschesstour.com.
“Just playing him already gives me a lot of experience and beating him twice in a match is just unheard of,”added So.
So, the reigning Fischer-Random world champion, also thanked his friends and supporters in his official Facebook page.
“All I can say is … First, thank you to the chess fans who watched… Filipinos, Indians, Norwegians, Chinese, Africans, Russians, Americans and on and on….. A startling moment for me to win this event and have all of you sort of there, nervous along with me,” posted So.
“Chess is life … one day you are up, one day you are down, so I will enjoy this UP moment and start by giving thanks! To my Lord and Savior, AMDG.”
Overall, So finished with one win and three draws in their four-game finale and brought home the cash prize of US$30,000 (P1.5 million)
It was also fitting follow-up for So, who also defeated Carslen in the Skilling Open in December last year.
Carlsen, the reigning world blitz, rapid and standard champion , was visibly disappointed wth the outcome.
“I’m a bit frustrated again today (Monday),” said Carlsen.
“Losing to Wesley is okay, he clearly had the most convincing tournament coming into today. But I do feel like I missed a lot of chances, that’s the frustrating part.”
So represented the country for the last time during the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia where he captured the coveted gold medal.
After a disagreement with the local chess federation, So decided to transfer to the USCF in 2014.
