Wesley So has a knack for ruining special occasions for Magnus Carlsen.
After toppling the world champion on his birthday a couple of months ago, So beat Carlsen on Valentine’s Day, 2.5-1.5, to take home the Opera Euro Rapid chess championship.
“I’d like to apologize to Magnus for ruining Valentine’s Day,” said So.
Capitalizing on Carlsen’s blunders, So clinched Game 1 before he settled for draws in the last 3 matches to secure the title.
“It’s big. It’s totally unexpected. To beat Magnus in any match is a huge honor and it’s a real pleasure to do so because just playing him already gives you a lot of experience and honor and stuff,” So said.
The Opera Euro Rapid is So’s second title in the Champions Chess Tour (CCT), with his first coming in the Skilling Open in November that saw him defeat Carlsen in the finals on the Norwegian’s birthday.
So, born in the Philippines but now representing the United States, has won 2 of the first 3 tournaments of the year-long CCT and raked in the Opera Euro Rapid top purse of $30,000 (around P1.4 million).
“It’s really unfortunate. I wish they’d make a rule that you won’t have to play on your birthday,” said So, looking back on his Skilling Open win over Carlsen. “Today was just quite unlucky for him.”
Taking his mind off chess in the meantime, So – a fan of the Godzilla series – said he will celebrate with his family by watching Kong: Skull Island and having lunch with them. – Rappler.com
via PK
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