FILIPINO grandmaster Wesley So turned back Russian foe Vladimir Fedoseev, 1.5-0.5, to reach the semifinals of the FIDE World Cup of Chess 2017 in Tblisis, Georgia.
So, using the Petrov Defense, first drew with Fedoseev in 19 moves, before posting a win in 83 moves.
He will next face Chinese GM Ding Liren, who advanced to the semis after turning back Richard Rapport, 1.5-0.5.
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave also reached the semis with Levon Aronian after prevailing over Peter Svidler, 2.5-1.5.
Aronian earned his spot when he outplayed Vassily Ivanchuk, 1.5-0.5
In beating Fedoseev, So gained an advantage with his bishop e1 move that protected the king.
This forced Fedoseev to move back a fifth ranked pawn and a bishop away from the center.
From there, So took control of the center with his bishop.