So rules Tata chess

Wesley So put a fitting ending to a sterling showing by trouncing Ian Nepomniachtchi in the 13th round on Sunday, running away with the 79th Tata Steel Masters Chess crown in the Netherlands.

Asserting his mastery of the Russian, So prevailed with black in 28 moves of a Trompovsky attack to frustrate world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway and two other pursuers.

The Cavite-born So, now representing the US, amassed 9.0 points (five wins, eight draws), foiling the title-retention bid of Carlsen, who placed second.

So’s live Elo rating rose to a personal-high 2823 that pushed him to world No. 2 behind Carlsen (2838).  —Roy Luarca