GRANDMASTER Wesley So tamed Armenian GM Vladimir Akopian in the fourth round Wednesday night to regain a share of the lead in the Qatar Masters Open 2015.
Handling white, the Cavite-born So, who is now representing the United States, prevailed after 48 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined Slav and raised his total to 3.5 points.
Bunched with the 22-year-old So are world champion GM Magnus Carlsen of Norway, Russian GM Matlakov Maxim, Dutch GM Anish Giri, and Chinese GM Li Chao.
Erstwhile leaders Giri and Li drew their top board encounter while Carlsen and Matlakov bested Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Russian GM Alexandra Kosteniuk, respectively.
Defending champion GM Yu Yangyi of China heads a big group of 3.0 pointers that also include compatriot Hou Yifan, the women’s world champion.
Also lodged at 6th to 24th spot are GMs Vladimir Fedoseev of Russia, David Howell of England, Daniil Dubov of Russia, Denis Khismatullin of Russia, Xu Yinglun of China, NR Vignesh of India, Dariusz Swiercz of Poland, Viktor Bologan of Moldova, Shakhriyar Mamedrayov of Azerbaijan, AR Salem Salem of United Arab Emirates, Anton Korobov of Ukraine, GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly of India, Vladimir Kramnik of Russia, Sanan Sjugirov of Russia, Sergey Karjakin of Russia, Radoslaw Wojtaszek of Poland and Ni Hua of China.
The fifth round pits So against Giri and Carlsen against Li. Matlakov will face Kramnik.