KHANTY-MANSIYSK, Russia — GM Wesley So got off to an auspicious start by beating GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan but two other Filipinos fell by the wayside at the start of the 2009 World Chess Cup yesterday at the Khanty- Mansiysk Center of Arts here.

So played almost flawlessly with the advantageous white pieces to beat Guseinov (ELO 2625).

Antonio lost to defending champion and No. 27 seed GM Gata Kamsky of the United States. Laylo bowed to No. 21 seed GM David Navara of Czech Republic.

Both Antonio and Laylo now need to win the second game of their first-round appearance to send the match into knockout stages.