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) / Norway OUT
MANILA, Philippines — Wesley So dealt Magnus Carlsen another heartbreaker, beating the world champion in the Opera Euro Rapid on Valentine’s Day.
It seems that So has Carlsen all figured out after he also pulled the rug from under him in the Skilling Open final on the Norwegian’s 30th birthday last December.
“This is big. It’s totally unexpected to beat Magnus in a match,” said So in an interview with championschesstour.com. “To beat him twice in a match, is unheard of really.”
“Finally, I’d like to apologize to Magnus for ruining his Valentine’s Day,” added So, who became the first player to bag two Meltwater Champions Chess Tour titles.
The Philippine-born So, who began representing the United States in 2014, pocketed $30,000 (P1.4 million) in prize money.
Just like in their previous encounter, Carlsen lamented not being able to capitalize on several opportunities throughout the match.
“I’m a bit frustrated again today. Losing to Wesley is OK, he clearly had the most convincing tournament coming into today. But I do feel like I missed a lot of chances, that’s the frustrating part,” Carlsen said.
“Overall, no shame in losing to him. But I feel like I could have done a whole lot better and it’s not going to sit well with me tonight.”