Filipino-American Super Grandmaster Wesley So continues to make waves in the chess world, showcasing his exceptional skills at the Sinquefield Cup, the fifth and final leg of the 2023 Grand Chess Tour. The three-time United States champion and former Philippines chess prodigy now stands as a co-leader in this prestigious tournament at the Saint Louis Chess Club in Missouri.
Starting strong, Wesley So became the first leader of the 10-round event by clinching his first victory against Hungarian-Romanian Grandmaster Richard Rapport in Game 4. He continued his triumphant streak, defeating Armenian-American Levon Aronian in Game 6, securing his solo position at the top.
As the tournament nears its close, So is tied for the lead with Italian-American Fabiano Caruana and Cuban-American Leinier Dominguez. This two-time Grand Chess Tour champion (2021, 2016) is racing towards another potential title.
The Sinquefield Cup, running from November 21 to December 1, features a round-robin format with ten elite players. Following GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda’s withdrawal, the competition has intensified, with each player getting a bye round.
Wesley So @GMWesleySo123 is now in co-leader status with 2 more games to go in the Sinquefield Cup at the @STLChessClub, the final event of the 2023 @GrandChessTour. So was the 1st leader of the event after scoring the 1st win in Game 4 & 2nd win in Game 6 @GoodNewsPinas_ pic.twitter.com/KqjPMaErhn
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) November 29, 2023
Key Moments in Wesley So’s Journey
Game 4 Triumph: Wesley So took the lead with a win over Rapport in a match that saw a blend of strategy and calm under pressure. Rapport’s unconventional King’s Indian opening was no match for So’s precise play, marking his first win in the tournament.
Listen to Wesley So analyze his winning game in this video:
Maintaining the Lead in Game 5: Despite a challenging match against Dominguez, So displayed remarkable defensive skills, ending the game in a draw. His strategic acumen kept him at the forefront of the tournament.
Game 6 Victory: So’s second win came against Aronian, solidifying his lead in the Sinquefield Cup and bringing him closer to qualifying for the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
Watch Wesley So’s winning moment in Game 6 in this video:
However, in Game 7 early today (Philippine time), So faced a setback, resigning against Caruana, which led to a three-way tie for the tournament lead.
Wesley So’s performance at the Sinquefield Cup is not just a display of chess mastery but also a testament to his resilience and strategic prowess. As the tournament progresses, chess enthusiasts and the Filipino community worldwide are eagerly watching, rooting for So’s continued success.
Celebrate Wesley So’s remarkable journey at the Sinquefield Cup! Share this article to support and inspire pride in the achievements of Filipinos on the global stage. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling chess event!
Watch Round 8 on November 30 at 3:30 AM Philippine Time at this link.
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