So, the Opera Euro Rapid champion is Wesley So who defeated Magnus Carlsen in the final of the event. In truth Magnus had enough chances to do much better, having winning positions in the final 2 games, but only taking a half point from the two on offer.
BIG Congratulations to Wesley So, who played superbly throughout the event, and once again beat Carlsen on a special day. Last time it was on Carlsen’s birthday and this victory came on Valentine’s Day. Magnus must be pleased that Wesley did not qualify for the Candidates, and thus can not be his opponent in the next World Championship match!
Talking about the Candidates, the major talking point was the ‘withdrawal’ of Teimour Radjabov because of his concerns over Covid. For which he has been proven to be right. FIDE removed him and immediately gave the vacant spot to Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
MVL is currently co-leader of the Candidates so there was some irony that the play-off for 3rd spot at the Opera was played between Teimour and Maxime.
As it happened Teimour won the match very easily and has certainly made a statement regarding the fact that he should be playing in the Candidates!