So defeats Laznicka in India tilt

Filipino Wesley Barbasa So (Elo 2667) turned back Czech GM Viktor Laznicka (Elo 2681) after 31 moves of Quees Gambit Declined to create a three-way tie for second place in the 7th round of the Airports Authority of India Grandmasters Chess Tournament in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday.

With the win, the 17-year-old Bacoor, Cavite whiz, raised his total to 4.0 points, the same output of Laznicka and Indian GM Krishnan Sasikiran (Elo 2676).

Sasikiran settled for a truce with tournament leader Italian GM Fabiano Caruana (Elo 2714) after 92 moves of Double Fianchetto Opening, Semi-Slav defense. Caruana widened his lead to 1.5 points after tallying 5.5 points with three rounds to go.

Chinese GM Hou Yifan (Elo 2612) toppled Indian GM Parimarjan Negi (Elo 2622) after 62 moves of Sicilian defense to climb at no.5 with 2.0 points. Negi remains at last place with 1.5 points.

According to the official website of the All India Chess Federation, the rain and the change of the temperature brought a positive change in So’s mood.

“When I looked out of the window during the game, it was raining for a while. I love the weather to be cool and it did change my mood,” said Wesley.

“It was a long wait for a win after the first one in the first round. At that time I thought I had began well. But then there was a loss to Viktor and then four draws,” added the Owlrd Junior no. 4 player. “Winning after a gap felt very good. I finally managed to get something substantial from the opening.”

Asked if it felt satisfied avenging his second-round defeat to Laznicka, the smiling Filipino added, “It is always nice to avenge a defeat.”

In the eighth round, So will be meeting Negi, Sasikiran battles Laznicka and Hou tackles Caruana in the Category 17 chess tournament organized by the All-India Chess Federation and sanctioned by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). MARLON BERNARDINO