1.d4 draw for GM Wesley in Round 1 of 2010 Spice Cup

What a wonderful sight! It's the flag - the Philippine flag. The beauty of it is that it is displayed there as a symbol of excellence, thanks to GM Wesley So who continues to play with the Philippine flag beside him in international tournaments.

In this photo (source: susanpolgar.blogspot.com), GM Wesley was playing White against GM Alexander Onischuk of the US in Round 1 of the 2010 Spice Cup Group A at Texas University in Lubbock, Texas.

The game started with 1.d4. Based on my own observation as a Wesley die-hard fan - and as a chesspatzer who gets so much satisfaction from seeing brilliant sacrifices and bloody skirmishes - I could say that the 1.d4 opening for Wesley with White means he plays not to lose. Wesley seems to be a complete matador now with 1.d4 when he plays White. He's simply hard to beat when he opted to play 1.d4 nowadays.

But playing not to lose is totally a different color from playing to win. The former belongs to the wise and calm while the latter, to the wise and violent.

I prefer to see the latter. Sports is a world of violence and of the unquenchable will to win.

Good luck, Wesley!! Thanks for continuing to wave the Philippine flag!!

GM Wesley So vs GM Alexander Onischuk
Round 1 2010 Spice Cup USA
REQUIRES JAVA