KHANTY-Mansiysk, Russia — Grandmaster Wesley So continued his amazing winning streak as he claimed the scalp of defending champion GM Gata Kamsky in the 2009 World Chess Cup Friday at the Khanty-Mansiysk Centre of Arts here.

Proving that his stunning second-round upset win over former world championship contender GM Vassily Ivanchuk was no fluke, the 16-year old Filipino champion stunned Kamsky in the opener of their crucial third-round showdown.

Despite playing with the disadvantageous black pieces, So played with his usual calm and precision to stun his American rival in 53 moves of the French defense.

When the end came, So enjoyed tremendous advantage with a queen, rook, knight and four pawns against Kamsky’s queen, rook, knight and two pawns.

“I really played very well against him (Kamsky).I was prepared for the game. I caught him at the opening and he spent a lot of time,” said So. “I just hope that tomorrow will be another lucky day for me.”

Kamsky offered a draw in the 18th move but So declined it, knowing he had a clear advantage.

So, who also defeated Ivanchuk with the black pieces in the first game of their two-game second round showdown, now needs only a draw with the 27th-seeded Kamsky (ELO 2695) in their second game Saturday to reach the tough, 16-player fourth round.