Wesley So Chooses Olympiad Over Global Chess League
Quick Look
- Chess grandmaster Wesley So will prioritize the Chess Olympiad over the Global Chess League, citing a desire to fully dedicate himself to team events.
- The world No.
- 9 explained that the proximity of the two events makes it difficult to compete in both.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Chess grandmaster Wesley So has chosen to participate in the Chess Olympiad over the Global Chess League (GCL), which takes place shortly after. So, who represents the USA, previously played for the Philippines. His decision is influenced by his desire to fully commit to team events and the tight schedule between the two competitions.
Chess prodigy Wesley So prioritizes the Olympiad over the Global Chess League, citing a desire to dedicate himself fully to team events. (photo/ Agency)
OSLO: Wesley So’s heart is in the right place. Partly because he is nurtured by Lotis Key, his adoptive mother. The elite GM has chosen the Olympiad over FIDE-approved franchise-based Global Chess League (GCL) in his Sept calendar. He started representing his adopted country USA in 2014 and helped them win team gold in 2016. He had earlier played the Olympiad for the Philippines, the country of his birth, from 2006 to 2012. “GCL ends on Sept 13 and the Olympiad begins on Sept 15. If I play both, I may not be able to give justice to both events,” Wesley told TOI. “I like playing team events. Wesley said that he is hoping that his world No. 2 compatriot Hikaru Nakamura would also choose to play the Olympiad. “But most likely, he will play the GCL.” The 32-year-old world No. 9 (Elo 2753) led the tournament with 11.5 points after six of 10 rounds on Sunday, his latest win coming over India’s R Praggnanandhaa (6). Wesley himself was on cloud nine after beating the Norwegian world No. 1 in the fifth round. After a breakdown in his relations with biological parents, Lotis Key gave Wesley a shelter, home and love that strengthened his wings. And he soon joined the elite chess circle on merit of his play.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Wesley So will perform well at the Chess Olympiad.
Likely · Within weeks
Hikaru Nakamura will likely play in the GCL.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will Hikaru Nakamura also choose the Olympiad?
- What are the specific team goals for Wesley So at the Olympiad?
- What is the prize money difference between the Olympiad and the GCL?
- How will Wesley So's absence affect the GCL?