Wesley So spoils Magnus Carlsen’s birthday with Skilling Open title

FILE — Norwegian chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen (R) and Filipino-American chess grandmaster Wesley So play in the World Fischer Random Championship Chess final, at Henie Onstad Art Center in Baerum, Norway, on October 31, 2019. (Photo by Berit Roald / NTB Scanpix / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Wesley So played the spoiler’s role on his way to claiming the Skilling Open title in thrilling fashion on Tuesday.

The Filipino-born So, who began representing the United States in 2014, toppled reigning World chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway to bag the $30,000 (P1.5 million) prize.

“I have to apologize to Magnus for semi-ruining his birthday,” said So.

“I’m very shocked, of course, to beat Magnus. He’s the best player in the world,” he added. “Coming to the match, all I wanted to do is to put up a good fight and make the games interesting.”

Carlsen, the world classical, rapid and blitz chess champion, couldn’t make it a double celebration on his birthday following his loss to the underdog So, but still took the defeat graciously.

“First of all, huge congratulations to Wesley on a deserved win,” Carlsen, who also rued making crucial blunders in the match, said.

“It was a very exciting match. Frankly, to lose to him is not a shame, it’s not a disaster.”

The win also put So on top of the rankings with 46 points.