Draw with Hungarian GM keeps Wesley at helm

MANILA, Philippines - GM Wesley So held Hungarian GM Zoltan Almasi to a 21-move draw of a King’s Indian Attack to remain on top after four rounds of the ACP Golden Chess Classic in Bergamo, Italy Wednesday night.

So, 20, tried to give up a central pawn for kingside counterplay but Almasi, an eight-time Hungarian champion, didn’t bite, forcing a series of exchanges, including the queen swap, for the draw.

After four rounds, So remained undefeated with three points, half a point ahead of Georgian GM Baadur Jobava, who trounced Italian Daniele Vocaturo in 34 moves.

The standoff, however, dropped the Webster U standout to No. 13 in the FIDE world ranking with a live rating of 2752.7.

So takes on Jobava tonight in a crucial match.

So beat Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi and Vocaturo in the second and third rounds, respectively, while his other draw came against Israeli GM and organizing ACP president Emil Sutovski in the opening round.

Meanwhile, So will reportedly train with Hungarian GM Judit Polgar, his coach Susan’s sister, for a week in Hungary after this tournament before proceeding to Tromso, Norway where he will coach the US team in the Olympiad from Aug. 1-15.