Strike 3

I can't explain the joy within me whenever I come to see the tactical maneuvers of GM Wesley So (2610).

As you already knew, Wesley displayed tactical fireworks in his Round 1 game against China's GM Ni Hua (2710) in the Dresden Chess Olympiad 2008.

I don't know if that's the first time for Wesley to beat a 2700-rated opponent.

Let's see the three strikes that struck Ni Hua out.

Chess Olympiad 2008 Dresden

So Wesley (2610) - Ni Hua (2710)

(1), 13.11.2008

Position after 17. . . Kb7. Let's see Wesley's Strike One (just my own point of view, a chess beginner). Here, Wesley unleashed 18.e6!

Position after 22. . . a6. Wesley hurled Strike Two 23.Nxc7!

Position after 26. . . Kd8. Wesley pitched Strike Three with 27.Rxc8 and struck Ni Hua out.

Really appetizing. The chess is alive with Wesley playing. That's why I wanted to see him play against Shirov in Round 6. Oh how I pray it happens. For sure, fire meets fire.