U.S. chess champ Wesley So wins Opera Euro Rapid ‘21

“I’d like to apologize to Magnus for ruining his Valentine’s Day,” said Wesley So after his victory in the final of the Opera Euro Rapid. CHESS24

U.S. Chess Champion Wesley So won the Open Euro Rapid, beating World Champion Magnus Carlsen 2.5-1.5 in the second set to take the mini-match 1.5-0.5.

This is the second time So has beaten Carlsen in a final of a Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event, having won the Airthings Masters in December.

“I’d like to apologize to Magnus for ruining his Valentine’s Day,” said Wesley So after his victory in the final of the Opera Euro Rapid.

The Opera Euro Rapid online chess event, a part of the $1.5 million Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, ended on Feb.14.

So won the first game of the second final match against Carlsen, who wasn’t able to fight back in the following three games. So emerged as the tournament winner, having secured a draw from the position of strength in the fourth encounter.

In the third place match, Teimour Radjabov won two games against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave to celebrate the overall victory.

After three tournaments of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, the leaders are Wesley So and Teimour Radjabov, who have scored 108 points. Magnus Carlsen is on third place with 85 points.

The next event will be held on March 13-21.