Wesley tries to stay at helm vs Akobian

MANILA, Philippines - Wesley So tries to stay on top as he clashes with fellow Grandmaster Varuzhan Akobian in the sixth round of the US Chess Championship in St. Louis, Missouri Tuesday. 

So, 23, drew with GM Yaroslav Zerebukh in the fifth round Sunday to raise his total to 3.5 points and keep the half-point lead over Akobian and four others in the 11-round tournament, which took a break Monday.

Others with three points are Zerebukh, four-time US champion GM Hikaru Nakamura, GM Daniel Naroditsky and GM Ray Robson.

So, now the world No. 2 with a 2821.7 rating, is seeking his first US Championship crown.

Norway’s GM Magnus Carlsen remains the world’s top player with a 2838 rating.