Because sports headlines today are focused on the Ginebra-Meralco PBA title series, I am rushing this report to ensure EdgeDavao readers get fresh news from other fronts.
Our countryman, Fil-Am super GM Wesley So, captured the 3rd leg of the FDE Grand Prix in Berlin Monday night.
He defeated American Olympiad teammate Hikaru Nakamura in the two-game Rapid tie-breaks 1.5 – .5 pts.
Playing white, So employed his favorite e4 Ruy Lopez opening, seizing control of the middle game. His Nd7 check forked the Black King and the Bishop that ultimately led to his hard-earned victory.
Unfortunately, WS, despite the triumph, failed to qualify to the Candidates Matches as Nakamura and Hungary’s Richard Rapport were earlier declared by FIDE as the qualifiers for the last two slots.
As a consolation of sorts, WS took home the prize money of 24K Euros.
He was dislodged by Leinier Dominguez, another Olympiad teammate, in the first leg of the GP also in Berlin, in another heartbreaking tiebreak.
“I am only 28 and perhaps in another couple of years,” So said in so many words during the ensuing interview, hinting that he has more years ahead of him.
The Bacoor, Cavite native, a former Universiade titleist, said he has been motivated by taking part in on-line rapid and blitz tournaments where he is able to sharpen his repertoire.
The three-time US champion also congratulated Nakamura, a 5-time US titleholder himself, for successfully hurdling the tough qualifying contests.
Russian Sergey Karjakin, a world championship challenger in 2016, has been banned for six months by FIDE for uttering unflattering remarks on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Which meant, he (Karjakin) cannot play in the Candidates Matches in July in Madrid. His slot might be given to China’s Ding Liren if the latter qualifies per FIDE rules.
LIren is in the process of fulfilling the required 30 classical FIDE games and in most likelihood, he will fill in the vacant slot.
The Chinese Chess Association has feverishly organized several tournaments to afford Ding to complete the 30-game requirement before May 30.
Stll, hopes are high among Pinoy chess fans that as circumstances were kind to Liren (in view of Karjakin’s case), who knows if Wesley might still sneak into the Candidates via a freak situation. Who knows really? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
