Will to win

Never dare ask GM Wesley So’s will to win.

Watch his Round 1 game against GM Friso Nijboer (2560) of the host Netherlands in the ongoing Chess Corus 2009 for you to see a 15-year old boy fighting like there’s no tomorrow.

Holding the disadvantageous Black in a Sicilian Taimanov variation, Wesley showed to the world the fighting attitude he has brought with him in this prestigious tournament to live up to his billing as the event’s top seed.

Roughly six hours of play! Sixty-seven moves. Spending some 30 minutes for a single move.

I tell you, the boy is serious. The fighting attitude he has been showing so far in the tournament defines the characteristics of a real champion.

The will to win – an attitude that separates a player from a winner.

Let’s hope that Wesley continue to display this fighting stance to position himself as the newest “fire on board.”

Corus Chess 2009 is a good venue for Wesley to have a good ‘packaging’ of himself. In my opinion, it is not enough that Wesley win his games. Rather, it is a must that he amaze the global audience.

And he has already shown us that he has got what it takes to do it – that attitude of having the will to win.

Position after 67. . .e3. White cannot stop the mate. Black will Queen his pawn and mate White's King with the help of the Black Knight.

Watch the full game HERE.