So, Onischuk dispute US chess title in playoff

MANILA, Philippines - Wesley So and Alexander Onischuk drew their final round matches to finish tied for first for a playoff for the US Chess Championships in St. Louis, Missouri yesterday.

So drew with Daniel Naroditsky in 14 moves while Onischuk battled five-time champion Gata Kamsky to a draw in 30 moves in a pair of Ruy Lopez games to share top honors with seven points at the close of the 11-round tournament.

So and Onischuk were disputing the crown in a playoff with a shorter time control.

So agreed to split the point with Naroditsky via repetition of moves while Onischuk held his ground against an attacking Kamsky to likewise escape with the draw.

Tournament rules bar players from drawing in less than 30 moves except for repetition of moves or perpetual checks.

So’s recent result stretched his unbeaten streak to 66 in standard chess.

Former Latvian world champion Mikhail Tal owns the record with 84.