So in contention

Pinoy GM So downs 8th seeded foe in Netherlands chess tourney
01/23/2009 07:32 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino Grandmaster Wesley So came back from a one day rest with all guns firing, downing eight seed GM Eduardo Iturrizaga of Venezuela after Thursday’s fifth round in the 71st Corus Chess Tournament at the De Moriaan Community Centre in Wijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands.

So, who gained solo second spot with the win, posted the victory after being forced to a draw in the last three rounds to accumulate 3.5 points and stay half-a-point behind solo leader GM Tiger Hillarp Persson of Sweeden in Group C.

With still eight rounds remaining, So gained an opportunity to remain in contention for the title after the victory as he also enjoys a half-point lead over second seed GM David Howell of England and IM Manuel Bosboom of the Netherlands.

So will meet GM Leon Hoyos of Mexico in the sixth round.

After a scintillating victory in the opening round against GM Friso Nijober of The Netherlands, So was held to three straight draws by seventh seed GM Oleg Romanishin of Ukraine, FM Anish Giri of Russia and fourth seed GM Abhijeet Gupta of India. – GMANews.TV