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Wesley So fights back to stay level with Magnus Carlsen in Opera Euro Rapid final

Sports

Wesley So fights back to stay level with Magnus Carlsen in Opera Euro Rapid final

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Magnus Carlsen, left, and Wesley So

Reigning world Fischer Random champion Wesley So brought down world classical titlist Magnus Carlsen to salvage a 2-2 tie in the first of their two four-game title showdown in the Opera Euro Rapid of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Sunday, Feb. 14.

The 27-year-old So blew his winning chances in the first game that ended in a draw as well as the second that resulted in a heartbreaking defeat before splitting the point in the third to trail, 1-0.5.

Needing nothing less than a win to forge a tie going into the deciding round Monday, the two-time United States champion delivered with a brilliant attacking game that ended with Carlsen resigning knowing a smashing checkmate is inevitable.

“I’m thrilled to win on demand with the white pieces,” said the Minnesota-based So in an interview with the official tournament website, championschesstour.com.

With their showdown knotted at 2-all, So and Carlsen will have four games to fight it out for the crown and the US$30,000 (P1.5 million) top purse that goes with it.

So is looking to duplicate his shock triumph over Carlsen in the tour’s opening leg—the Skilling Open—in December last year.

Related Tags

Wesley So Magnus Carlsen Champions Chess Tour Opera Euro Rapid

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