Varuzhan Akobian turned in his third quality win in a row Wednesday, leaving him in sole possession of first place of the 2014 U.S. Championship. In the women’s competition, Anna Zatonskih now leads with 5/6.
Despite a slow, draw-filled start, the U.S. Championship heated up as it passed its halfway point, with Tuesday’s sixth round featuring another day of bloodshed. Meanwhile, the 2014 U.S. Women’s Championship had its closest round of balance yet.
While the U.S. chess king questioned who might bear his crown next, America’s queen began resizing hers. Four-time champion Gata Kamsky walked through another uneventful draw on Monday afternoon while Irina Krush seized control of the U.S. Women's Championship.
Reigning Champion Gata Kamsky sprang to life on Sunday and scored his first win. Also winning on Sunday were Alex Onischuk, Timur Gareev and Alex Lenderman, who leads the event with 3.5/4.
The U.S. Championship saw just two more wins in Saturday’s third round. Aleksandr Lenderman’s second victory of the competition set him alone out front with 2.5/3. Anna Zatonskih won her game to pull even with Irina Krush in the U.S. Women's Championship.
During play on Friday, Rex Sinquefield announced that he was extending the $64,000 Fischer Bonus Prize to the 2014 U.S. Women’s Championship. Sabina Foisor and Irina Krush each remained perfect after two rounds of play.
A win by 13-year-old Ashritha Eswaran in her first-ever U.S. Women's Championship was the highlight of round 1 of the 2014 U.S. Championships. GMs Ray Robson and Alex Lenderman also emerged victorious.
GM Gata Kamsky and GM Irina Krush look to repeat as reigning King and Queen as the 2014 U.S. Championship and U.S. Women’s Championship get underway in Saint Louis.
On the eve of hosting the most prestigious chess tournaments in the nation, St. Louis received national recognition from the United States Senate, which passed an official resolution late Monday night naming St. Louis the National Chess Capital.
The fields are set for both the 2014 U.S. Championship and 2014 U.S. Women’s Championship, scheduled to be held simultaneously May 7 through May 20 at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL).