So regains solo lead in ‘Capablanca’

MANILA, Philippines - Wesley So survived Cuban Lazaro Bruzon’s sacrificial attacks and settled for a draw to regain the solo lead after six rounds of the Capablanca Memorial 2014 at the Habana Riviera in La Havana, Cuba yesterday.

So gave up three minor pieces for a queen but had to deal with his uncastled king and inactive rooks. Bruzon then launched a bishop-knight-rook attack against So’s exposed king. But the Filipino deftly parried the assault, forcing the Cuban to go for perpetual checks for the draw after 22 moves of their English Opening game.

It was So’s second draw with Bruzon in the double round tournament, giving the former a four-point total for a half-a-point lead over top seed Leinier Dominguez-Perez of Cuba heading to the crucial stretch of the 11-day, double-round event held in memory of former Cuban world champion Jose Raul Capablanca.

Perez likewise halved the point with former World Challenger Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine also via perpetual check.

The Webster U standout will next face Spaniard Francisco Vallejo Pons, whom he beat in their first meeting.

The draw also kept So’s live rating to 2740 from 2731 early this month, or five points away from crashing into the world Top 15.

So is up against rivals who have won this annual event at least once with Ivanchuk posting a record six-title romp, Dominguez winning thrice and Vallejo, Bruzon and defending champion Zoltan Almasi of Hungary nailing one victory each.