Wesley So versus Magnus Carlsen is another anticipated duel the chess community has been waiting to see.
The superGM from Bacoor, Cavite defends his Fischer Random 960 crown against seven elite GMs in Reykjavik, Iceland that begins tomorrow until Oct. 30, 2022.
Fischer Random is a chess variant invented by the legendary Robert “Bobby” Fischer, the 1972-75 world champion.
The game’s rules are the same as standard chess but the starting position of pieces is randomly shuffled.
According to experts, Fischer Random chess reduces the impact of opening theory and provokes players to be more contemplative and creative in their strategy and game development from the first move.
The Cavite-born So captured the initial edition in murderous fashion, turning back the furious but futile challenge of world classical champion Magnus Carlsen 13½ to 2½ pts! .
Aside from Carlsen, the six other competitors in this over-the-board tournament are American Rapid specialist Hikaru Nakamura, Iceland GM Hjorvar Steinn Gretarsson, Vladimir Fedoseev, Matthias Bluebaum, Nodribek Abdusattorov and FIDE wild card nominee Ian Nepomniachtchi.
A very strong field, if you are familiar with all of them.
“I am very excited to be competing in Fischer Random again! And in iceland!,” said So in an interview, adding the historical connection of the venue where Fischer snatched the world championship from Russian titleholder Boris Spassky, makes it more special.
I have a feeling that Carlsen is determined to exact revenge on So who embarrassed him with such a lopsided score. But our Fil-Am kababayan is as much inspired and motivated to achieve a repeat of his 2019 victory over the former.
The total prize fund for the FRCC (Fischer Random Chess Championship) is a whopping $400,000 where $150,000 goes to the winner.
The rules stipulate that time control is 25 minutes per player for the first 30 moves after which 5 minutes is given each player on the clock with a 5 second increment per move.
The finals consist of a two group stage followed by the knockout semifinals and final.
So, a three-time US winner, is coming out of a not-so-impressive defense of his national title in St. Louis, Missouri, finishing in a tie for fifth along with four others including the controversial GM 19-er Hans Niemann.
Former world championship challenger and 2016 US champion Fabiano Caruana took home the trophy undefeated in 13 matches who, unfortunately, did not qualify for the Iceland competition. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
