Wesley slows down

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time in five rounds, Wesley So conceded a loss at the hands of Azeri Shakhriyar Mamedyarov in their Armageddon play in the Norway Chess in Stavanger yesterday.

But the Cavite-born, two-time United States titlist is still pretty much in the title hunt in spite of the heartbreaking result.

Despite the loss, So stayed in striking distance with solo leader Vishwanathan Anand of India and reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen as the former remained in third with 8.5 points.