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So downs Uzbek foe, sets up finals meeting vs Carlsen

Others

So downs Uzbek foe, sets up finals meeting vs Carlsen

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

At A Glance

Wesley So claimed the last two sets in the semifinals against Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov to arrange a title showdown with world No.1 Magnus Carlsen in the Champions Chess Tour Finals on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Toronto, Canada.

Wesley So claimed the last two sets in the semifinals against Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov to arrange a title showdown with world No.1 Magnus Carlsen in the Champions Chess Tour Finals on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Toronto, Canada.

After bowing in their first semis duel the day before, 2.5-1.5, the Cavite-born American rose to challenge and toppled the Uzbek sensation, 2.5-1.5, to set a deciding match for a spot in the finals.

Saint Louis Rapid 2020: GM Wesley So remains in title hunt — Wesley So wins the semifinals to set up a title duel with Magnus Carlsen. (File Photo)

The two players refused to give up easily in the final match by agreeing to a draw in the first two games, before So pounced on his rival for a 2-1 victory to advance to the final round of this $500,000 tournament.

While So had to bring his semis match into a decider, Carlsen cruised to the championship round with a sweep of American Fabiano Caruana with identical 3-2 scores in the first two sets.

It would be another interesting finals matchup with So leaning on his sensational fifth-round victory over the Norwegian superstar just last Tuesday, Dec. 12.

The winner of the tournament will take home the $200,000 lion's share.

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