‘Distracted’ So skips US National Open chess

Filipino Grandmaster Wesley So has withdrawn from the United States National Open, saying the controversy over his transfer to the US Chess Federation is too much of a distraction.

“I withdrew from the National Open to focus on finalizing the federation transfer process. This situation is taking a big toll on me. I hope to finish everything shortly. Then it is up to the NCFP [National Chess Federation of the Philippines] to sign off on it or not,” So told his Hungarian coach Susan Polgar.