Westley So wins Grand Chess Tour title, his second

Westley So will defend his U.S. chess title in October. WIKIPEDIA

Philippine-born Grandmaster Wesley So became a two-time Grand Chess Tour (GCT) champion Thursday, Aug. 27 after an undefeated streak in five events.

He was also GCT champion in 2016 after winning both the Sinquefield Cup and the London Chess Classic.

So clinched this latest victory after the final round of the Sinquefield Cup ended with all games drawn.

So earned $142,500 in total prize money including $45,000 in the Sinquefield Cup. He also received an additional $100,000 bonus as the Tour’s overall winner.

Grandmaster and GCT founder Garry Kasparov said that So won because he was the most stable, calm and resilient player.

So, now World No. 9-ranked among FIDE players, will defend his U.S. Open title in October.