OSLO: Wesley So's heart is in the right place. Partly because he is nurtured by Lotis Key, his adoptive mother. The elite grandmaster has chosen the Chess Olympiad over the FIDE-approved franchise-based Global Chess League (GCL) in his September calendar. He started representing his adopted country, the United States, 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.
Decision to Prioritize Olympiad
“GCL ends on September 13 and the Olympiad begins on September 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.”
Recent Performance
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.
Personal Journey
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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