Wesley So overpowered world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in two “slow rapid” games yesterday to move on the verge of emerging the first FIDE World Fischer Random Chess champion in Hovikodden, Norway on Friday.
So, born in Cavite but now plays for the United States, was in control of Games 3 and 4 to win in 60 and 51 moves for a commanding 10.5-1.5 lead in the race-to-12 duel.
The first game ended in a draw while the second resulted in a triumph by So Friday.
So will just have to get two points in the four “fast rapid” games and four blitz games.
A win in fast rapid is equivalent to two points and a draw to one point, while blitz victories are equivalent to one point and a draw to half a point.
If Carlsen, who is the concurrent world chess champion in both standard and blitz events of classical chess, manages to whip up a miraculous comeback and tie the match, he will play So in a tiebreak dubbed “Armageddon.”
