So tramples Vallejo, nears WC Last 16

MANILA, Philippines — Wesley So outplayed Spaniard Francisco Vallejo Pons and fashioned out a 30-move win in their Caro-Kann game to inch closer to the Final 16 of the 2017 FIDE World Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia Saturday night.

The second seeded So, who disposed of Colombian Joshua Castillo and German Matthias Bluebaum in the first two rounds, dominated Pons in the early going and easily dismantled the latter’s kingside defense with precise moves to annex the win in the first of their two third-round games.

When it was over, So was two pawns up and poised to claim a knight.

So needs only a draw in their second game being played at presstime to advance against the winner between 15th seed Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia and Baadur Jobava of Georgia, who drew their first game.

So is seeking one of the two spots in the Candidates Matches and hopefully a crack at the world title currently held by Magnus Carlsen.

Meanwhile, the top-seeded Carlsen fell to Chinese Bu Xiangzhi in 36 moves of a Bishop’s Opening in what could be the biggest upset of the tournament.

Carlsen will need to win their final game with the black pieces to force a two-game playoff with lesser time control.