Wesley So did not bring his A-game, but his B-game proved more than enough. So won his first three games and, after a draw in game 4, won game 5 as well. To his credit, Nodirbek Abdusattorov scored 3.5 out of the next four to close to within a point. He was still within a point after 12 games, but that was basically the end of the good news for the youngster. So won five in a row and coasted to match victory, winning by a lopsided score even after losing the last two games.
Next up is a biggie: Ian Nepomniachtchi vs. Levon Aronian on Wednesday.
Event website here.