Ding advances, So eliminated in exciting tie-break.
God (0) — Ding,L (1)
This article is not meant any disrespect to the Filippino genius’ religious beliefs, let alone any other chess players’ beliefs. A person’s faith (or lack of it) is not just his birthright, but more importantly defines the essence of his character and integrity. This must be respected at all times.
Normally such beliefs are private and unpretentious, but in Wesley So’s case he often publicly exalts God’s role in his professional chess career. There is nothing wrong about that, I suppose, especially since several great players from the past have also done so. But, generally, such claims are unusual in the chess community because of the competitive edge on the game.
Frequently, however, So oversteps the boundaries of proper religious decorum, insisting upon God’s direct role in the favourable outcome of his own individual games, unconcerned about any religious faith of his opponents, whom ever they may be on any given day.
One would think that God has better things to do…
Wesley So,to ChessBase, after winning the Sinquefield Cup in 2016
