Wesley So takes another draw vs Matlakov

MANILA, Philippines — Wesley So split the point with Russian Maxim Matlakov in 30 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Accepted to remain in the middle of the pack after two rounds of the Tata Steel Chess Masters 2018 in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands Saturday.

So tried to create some counter plays with the black by giving up a pawn and later a knight but Matlakov came up with sound countermoves to escape with a draw via repetition of moves.

It was So’s second draw after halving the point with Azerbaijan’s Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in 31 moves in the opening round, keeping in joint sixth, one point behind Dutch Anish Giri, who seized the solo lead by downing Russian Vladimir Kramnik.

Reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen and Mamedyarov downed Indian Baskaran Adhiban and current women’s world champion Hou Yifan of China, respectively, to tie Vishwanathan Anand of India at No. 2 with 1.5 points.