WESLEY’S RUN IN CORUS B CHESS ENDS AFTER LOSS TO GIRI
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 30 Jan 2010
MANILA, PHILIPPINES -- Wesley Barbasa So’s astounding run in the ongoing 72nd Corus International Chess Championship came to an end after the Filipino grandmaster lost his eleventh round match against Corus B Tournament leader Dutch GM Anish Giri on Friday night (Manila Time) that could potentially decide the winner of the tournament, being held at the De Moriaan Community Centre in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands.
The 16-year-old So played the King’s Pawn Game (e4), not his usual Queen’s Pawn Game (d4), and the 15-year-old Giri responded with the Petroff defense which ended into a 36 pushes.
Giri, who was born to a Nepalese father and Russian mother, launched an attack and sacrificed his knight then his bishop to open up lines towards So’s king. So defended well but seemed to have inaccuracies.
“Nais pasukin ni GM Wesley (So) ang Sicilian defense ni GM Anish (Giri) kaya nag desisyon siyang mag King’s Pawn Game kaysa sa Queen’s Pawn Game. Y’un nga lamang wise din si Anish, nag Petroff defense. Mahirap kasi pag pumasok ka sa preparation. Pero maganda ang attitude ni Wesley na go for a win. Hope manalo siya sa last two round,” said 1996 Philippine Junior champion NM Roberto Suelo Jr., first trainer/coach of So.
This was So’s first loss in the tournament after three wins and seven draws and was stuck at 6.5 points, the same output of top seed German Arkadij Naiditsch who held into a draw against England GM David Howell after 61 moves of Ruy Lopez Exchange.
Going to the last two round, Giri is still on top with 8 points, full point ahead against compatriot GM Erwin L'Ami and Chinese GM Ni Hua. L’Ami halved the point with Ukrainian WGM/IM Anna Muzychuk (who dealt Giri his only loss so far last Tuesday) after 53 moves of French exchange while Ni split the point against Indian GM Pentala Harikrishna after 59 moves of Slav defense.
Wesley's Netherlands trip is backed up by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) President/Chairman Prospero Pichay, Jr. and Filway Marketing Inc. CEO/President Hector Tagaysay.
Long-time manager/businessman Reginald Tee, served as second/ trainer of Wesley in Holland chess meet.
Wesley’s 12th round match on Saturday will be against Howell using the black pieces and his 13th and final round match on Sunday against Muzychuk using the white pieces.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
MAGSAYO, MARCIAL REGISTER WINS IN LAS VEGAS
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Pacquiao vs Barrios: Factors of consequence
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 20 Jul 2025How to Watch Pacquiao vs Barrios in the Philippines
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 20 Jul 2025Final Hours Tick Down: Pacquiao and Barrios Ready for Destiny in Las Vegas
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Philippines Sweeps Kyrgyzstan, Secures Return to Davis Cup Group III
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Blu Girls Bounce Back, Blank Hong Kong 12–0 in Four Innings
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Pacquiao vs. Barrios: Weigh-in Results and Fight Analysis
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Panamanian Star Nataly Delgado wins WBA super flyweight champinship
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk vs Dubois Rematch Marred by Oversaturated Pay-Per-View Market
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Weights from Washington, PA
Sat, 19 Jul 2025Pacquiao and Barrios Make Weight: Final Hurdle Cleared for Blockbuster Saturday Night
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025Usyk Registers Career-Heaviest Weight as Dubois Looks Ready for Undisputed Rematch at Wembley
Sat, 19 Jul 2025Rodriguez vs. Cafu Unification Clash Set for Frisco, Texas; All Fighters Make Weight
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025LOPEZ VS. VARGAS WEIGHTS FROM PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Sat, 19 Jul 2025“Bambol” Tolentino in Las Vegas: Supporting Filipino Athletes and Pacquiao
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 18 Jul 2025