India, Aug. 20 -- "You can't win all tournaments, not this year!" Wesley So told Praggnanandhaa right after their playoffs for first place in the Sinquefield Cup, as they both cracked up. They were tied for first after the classical games at 5.5/9 points before So edged out the young Indian grandmaster in the playoffs.

At the Norway Chess in June, So was tournament leader heading into the final round, with Pragg half a point behind him. The 21-year-old Indian ended up winning in the final round - making it four classical wins in a row to walk away with the title, while So drew his game and wound up in second place.

Earlier this month, Pragg won the Saint Louis rapid and blitz title. He has, by virtue of finishing in the top four of the ...