Wesley So played the spoiler’s role on his way to claiming the Skilling Open crown via a thrilling triumph 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,” So was quoted as saying by various reports.
“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,” Carlsen added.
The victory also put So on top of the rankings with 46 points. INQ