GM Wesley So left the 2009 World Chess Cup like a true champion.
After losing to GM Vladimir Malakhov in the tiebreaker of Round 4, Wesley will bring back home a feat that belongs only to the great - that is, putting the Philippines in the global chess map once again.
It should be remembered that GM Eugene Torre first etched RP's mark in world chess in 1983 by barging into the quarterfinals against GM Zoltan Ribli in Spain.
Reaching round-of-16 in WCC is tantamount to a superhuman feat for a 16-year old lad who trains and studies chess all by himself. No coach, no trainer, no second. That's pure human talent, a real gift not every human being is blessed to receive.
Reaching Round 4 is truly amazing, especially after beating two strong opponents one of whom was formerly No.3 in the world and the other the defending champion of WCC.
What makes the feat sweeter is to realize that Wesley is the youngest Asian player who reached Round 4 in the history of WCC (please correct me if I'm wrong).
Aside from the rich experience, Wesley will bring home additional 15.8 Elo points and US$25,000 (P1.15 million using 1:46 exchange rate). Wesley's present live rating stands at 2655, 45 Elo points short of 2700. No doubt, Wesley will soon reach the 2700 mark.
For sure, Wesley will return to WCC in the future much stronger. Go young man, conquer the world!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
GM Wesley So puts RP in chess world map
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1 Comment:
Wesley So needs to improve upon his overall technique in his game.
True, his surprise value is now nil against the best. He has to work hard and 'make his technique world class' which was his main failing in the first two games of the tiebreak rapids.
They were easy draws, not to mention ahead in time.
Chess is not all opening preparation and sharp creative tactics, you need to master endgames/technical positions as well.
He needs someone special who can coach him in that area. It cannot be learned by the thorough study, nor trial and error.
I hope his backers now know his main weakness and try to eradicate it.
This is true to all young prodigies, and I hope they get the picture.
GKK
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