By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Wesley So scored 5.5 points in the first part of the two-day blitz Sunday to stay second and within striking distance of pacesetter Magnus Carlsen in the Grand Chess Tour’s Super United Rapid and Blitz in Zagreb, Croatia.
The Cavite-born American has a current total of 16.5 points, just 1.5 points behind Carlsen—the reigning world champion—with 18 points.
What was special about it though was that one of So’s three wins came at the expense of Carlsen himself in blitz’ third-round masterpiece.
The world Fischer-Random king also won against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan and Ivan Saric of Croatia while coming through with five draws.
His lone loss in blitz was inflicted by Dutch Jorden Van Foreest
“Overall, I had a pretty solid day, didn’t have problems with my opening,” said So.
So will have a chance to catch up and even overtakeCarlsen as they play nine more blitz games in the final day on Monday in the five-day tournament staking a total cash pot worth $175,000 to with the winner snaring the lion share of $40,000.
By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Wesley So scored 5.5 points in the first part of the two-day blitz Sunday to stay second and within striking distance of pacesetter Magnus Carlsen in the Grand Chess Tour’s Super United Rapid and Blitz in Zagreb, Croatia.
The Cavite-born American has a current total of 16.5 points, just 1.5 points behind Carlsen—the reigning world champion—with 18 points.
What was special about it though was that one of So’s three wins came at the expense of Carlsen himself in blitz’ third-round masterpiece.
The world Fischer-Random king also won against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan and Ivan Saric of Croatia while coming through with five draws.
His lone loss in blitz was inflicted by Dutch Jorden Van Foreest
“Overall, I had a pretty solid day, didn’t have problems with my opening,” said So.
So will have a chance to catch up and even overtakeCarlsen as they play nine more blitz games in the final day on Monday in the five-day tournament staking a total cash pot worth $175,000 to with the winner snaring the lion share of $40,000.
