2012 U.S. Championships News
2022 U.S. Junior, U.S. Girls’ Junior and U.S. Senior Champions Crowned in Saint Louis
GM Christopher Yoo, FM/WGM Jennifer Yu, and GM Alex Shabalov emerge victorious in the U.S. Junior, U.S. Girls’ Junior and U.S. Senior Championships
SAINT LOUIS (July 18, 2022) – The national junior and senior chess championships have concluded in Saint Louis, the nation’s Chess Capital, with 15-year-old GM Christopher Yoo taking home the 2022 U.S. Junior Championship, 20-year-old, FM/WGM Jennifer Yu, winning the 2022 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, and U.S. Chess Hall-of-Famer GM Alex Shabalov beating out a field that included five other hall-of-fame inductees to become the 2022 U.S. Senior Champion.
The U.S. Junior, U.S. Girls’ Junior, and U.S. Senior Championships have been mainstay events at the Saint Louis Chess Club for some time now, with this being the thirteenth, sixth and fourth year for each tournament respectively. All three tournaments ran concurrently from July 6-16, 2022 and were broadcast live on www.uschesschamps.com and on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch.tv channels.
Each event featured ten of the nation’s best junior and senior players to compete for approximately $130,000 in prizes and scholarships. “The caliber of talent we saw among these young players indicates that American chess continues to grow and thrive,” said Tony Rich Executive Director of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “It was also thrilling to see these icons of American chess in action over the board again and we look forward to continuing to host the nation’s best here in Saint Louis once again next year.”
This victory marked the first win of the U.S. Junior Chess Championship for Yoo, who qualified for the 2022 U.S. Chess Championship this year by doing so. Yoo dominated the field throughout the event, though he suffered a loss in Round 7, he kept his cool throughout the entire competition and didn’t succumb to the mounting pressure. Ultimately he finished the tournament with a draw in the final round against wildcard IM Carissa Yip. He pocketed $12,000 in addition to a $10,000 scholarship, jointly supported by US Chess and Dewain Barber. GM Andrew Hong finished second winning $8,000, while GM Abhimanyu Mishra and IM Balaji Daggupati shared 3rd place each winning $4,500.
The U.S. Girls’ Championship had a dramatic turnaround. After leading the entire tournament, WFM Sophie Morris-Suzuki lost her final game against local favorite FM/WGM Thalia Cervantes. Having caught the leader, by winning the game, Thalia forced a playoff to decide the title of U.S. Girls’ Junior Champion. FM/WGM Jennifer Yu also won her final round making it a 3-player tie for first. The girls played a round robin with a time control of 10 minutes with 2 seconds delay. In a dramatic turn of events each girl scored a point, giving each of them a second chance to win the event. The second time around, it was Yu that won against both Morris-Suzuki and Cervantes. Jennifer Yu pocketed $6,000 in addition to a $10,000 scholarship, jointly supported by US Chess and Dewain Barber and a spot at this year’s U.S. Women’s Championship. Thalia Cervantes and Sophie Morris-Suzuki tied for second and took home $3,500 each.
In an incredible turn of events, and after 9 hard-fought rounds, 5 players tied for 1st in the Senior Championship. To determine the 2022 winner, the five participants played a mini-rapid tournament playoff. After the exciting initial playoff, the players with the highest amount of points (they both had scored 2.5/3) happened to have to face each other in the final round. The battle was between GM’s Larry Christiansen and Alex Shabalov. In the penultimate and final battle, it was Shabalov who won the game to take home the title of 2022 US Senior Champion and pocket $20,0000. GM’s Larry Christiansen, Vladimir Akopian, Maxim Dlugy and Dmitry Gurevich shared 2nd place and each won $9,000.
Next month, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the final two stops on the Grand Chess Tour, the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz from August 25th through 30th and the Sinquefield Cup from September 1st through September 13th. Each tournament will feature ten of the world’s best players; more information about the upcoming events can be found on grandchesstour.org.
About the Saint Louis Chess Club
The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.
Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314) 277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
Saint Louis Chess Club to Host Legends and Rising Stars of American Chess
2022 U.S. Senior, Junior, and Girls’ Junior Championships return over-the-board from July 6 - July 16, 2022
SAINT LOUIS, JUNE 10, 2022 - This summer, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host three national championship events showcasing the best American senior, junior and girl chess players. From July 6 - 16, 2022, Saint Louis, America’s Chess Capital, will host the top 10 juniors, girls, and seniors in the invitational 2022 U.S. Junior, U.S. Girls’ Junior, and U.S. Senior Chess Championships. The tournaments feature more than $130,000 in prizes.
“We are excited to once again kick off this summer’s national championships by bringing together the top chess players from across the United States,” said Executive Director Tony Rich. “Over the past 13 years, we’ve been proud to host the future of chess annually with the U.S. Junior and U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships and for the fourth consecutive year we will feature the legends of chess with the U.S. Senior Championship.”
The three 10-player fields will tie together chess past and future for a celebration of the best of chess.
U.S. Junior Championship
The U.S. Junior Championship will feature a field of new and returning young prodigies. 2021 U.S. Junior Champion GM Hans Niemann will not be returning to reclaim his title. Headlining players include two-time U.S. Junior Champion GM Awonder Liang, GM Brandon Jacobson, GM Christopher Yoo and GM Abhimanyu Mishra, whose talent and determination put them among the brightest young minds in the game. Additionally, the wildcard player will be three-time U.S. Girls’ Junior Champion, IM Carissa Yip. Along with winning the title, players will be competing to win a piece of the more than $20,000 prize fund and an invitation to the U.S. Championship later this year. The winner of the U.S. Junior Championship will be awarded a $6,000 scholarship, jointly supported by US Chess and Dewain Barber.
U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship
The future of women’s chess in America is bright and will be on full display during the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. This tournament features a field of rising stars, while 2021 US Girls' Junior Champion IM Annie Wang will not return to reclaim her title. Headlining players returning to compete again this year include WGM Jennifer Yu, WGM Thalia Cervantes, and WIM Alice Lee, each considered to be among the top U.S. girls and women chess players. Along with winning the title, players will be up for the chance to win a piece of the more than $10,000 prize fund and an invitation to the U.S. Women’s Championship later this year. Additionally, the winner of the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship will be awarded a $6,000 scholarship, jointly supported by US Chess and Dewain Barber.
U.S. Senior Championship
For the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. Senior Championship will be held alongside the country’s other national chess championships. The 2022 field boasts legendary chess players, including six U.S. Chess Hall of Fame inductees: Grandmasters Gregory Kaidanov, the 2021 U.S. Senior Champion, Joel Benjamin, the 2020 U.S. Senior Champion, Alex Shabalov, the 2019 U.S. Senior Champion, Larry Christiansen, Igor Novikov, and wildcard Nick Di Firmian.
The expert commentary team of GM’s Yasser Seirawan, Alejandro Ramirez and Cristian Chirila will call the action live. The team will be providing game analysis daily from July 6 - July 16 online starting at 1:00 p.m. CT.
Fans can watch all the action live on www.uschesschamps.com and on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch.tv channels.
|
2022 U.S. Junior Championship Field |
|||
|
Name |
Qualification Method |
Invitational Rating* |
Hometown |
|
GM Awonder Liang |
2021 Denker Champion |
2705 |
Madison, WI |
|
GM Brandon Jacobson |
Rating |
2627 |
Westfield NJ |
|
GM Christopher Yoo |
Rating |
2626 |
Dublin, CA |
|
GM Andrew Hong |
Rating |
2610 |
Saratoga, CA |
|
GM Abhimanyu Mishra |
Rating |
2607 |
Englishtown, NJ |
|
IM David Brodsky |
Rating |
2584 |
Cortlandt Manor, NY |
|
IM Justin Wang |
Rating |
2565 |
Katy, TX |
|
NM Pedro Espinosa |
2021 US Junior Open Champion |
2222 |
New York, NY |
|
IM Balaji Daggupati |
Rating |
2525 |
San Ramon, CA |
|
IM Carissa Yip |
Wildcard |
2514 |
Andover, MA |
|
2022 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship Field |
|||
|
Name |
Invitational Rating* |
Qualification |
Hometown |
|
WGM Jennifer Yu |
Rating |
2388 |
Ashburn, VA |
|
WGM Thalia Cervantes |
Rating |
2355 |
Saint Louis, MO |
|
WIM Alice Lee |
Rating |
2347 |
1North Oaks, MN |
|
FM Ruiyang Yan |
2021 Haring Champion |
2344 |
Mountain View, CA |
|
WIM Rochelle Wu |
Rating |
2319 |
Woodland, CA |
|
WFM Sophie Morris-Suzuki |
Rating |
2250 |
Waccabuc, NY |
|
WFM Zoey Tang |
Rating |
2232 |
Portland, OR |
|
WIM Ellen Wang |
Rating |
2213 |
Bronx, NY |
|
WFM Gracy Prasanna |
Rating |
2210 |
Nazareth, PA |
|
WFM Anne-Marie Velea |
Wildcard |
2201 |
Sammamish, WA |
|
2022 U.S. Senior Championship Field |
|||
|
Name |
Invitational Rating* |
Qualification |
Hometown |
|
GM Gregory Kaidanov** |
2021 US Senior Champion |
2600 |
Lexington, KY |
|
IM Igor Khmelnitsky |
2021 Irwin Champion |
2470 |
King of Prussia, PA |
|
GM Dmitry Gurevich |
2021 US Senior Open Champion |
2417 |
Chicago, IL 60607 |
|
GM Vladimir Akopian |
Rating |
2672 |
Glendale, CA |
|
GM Larry Christiansen** |
Rating |
2601 |
Cambridge, MA |
|
GM Igor Novikov** |
Rating |
2587 |
Lexington, KY |
|
GM Alex Shabalov** |
Rating |
2558 |
Pittsburgh, PA |
|
GM Maxim Dlugy |
Rating |
2549 |
New York, NY |
|
GM Joel Benjamin** |
Rating |
2534 |
Waldwick, NJ |
|
GM Nick Di Firmian** |
Wildcard |
2506 |
Oakland, CA |
* Invitational ratings are calculated and certified by US Chess.
** Denotes U.S. Chess Hall of Fame members playing in the 2022 U.S. Senior Championship at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
Saint Louis Chess Club
The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.
Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
GM Fabiano Caruana and GM Irina Krush Win the Inaugural American Cup
Two winners of the Double Elimination Tournament Crowned in Saint Louis, America’s Chess Capital
ST. LOUIS, April 29, 2022 - Sixteen of America’s best chess players gathered at the Saint Louis Chess Club to battle over the board from April 18 - April 29, 2022 in the inaugural chess tournament, The American Cup. Veteran and tournament favorite, Grandmaster Irina Krush was crowned the winner of the Women’s section, securing victory after comfortably drawing the second game in her match against FIDE Master Alice Lee; Saint Louis resident and World Number 3 Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana clinched first place after defeating Grandmaster Levon Aronian in the final decisive day.
GM Irina Krush was the first player of the tournament to claim the Women’s top prize of $25,000 plus a $5,000 bonus for winning the Champions Bracket, entering the finals without a single match loss. FM Alice Lee, age 12 and the youngest player in the Women’s Tournament placed second and secured $18,000 in prizes.
“I am very honored to win the title of The American Cup. I’ve been playing chess my whole life and it’s great to have competed and won a tournament called The American Cup,” said Krush. “For me the first week of the event was the hardest but once I got past that it was more clear that I might win. I’m so pleased to have won the Women’s Field and I look forward to playing in this innovative tournament format again.”
Women's Tournament Final Standings
| Place | Name | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM Irina Krush | $25,000 |
| 2 | FM Alice Lee | $18,000 |
| 3 | WGM Tatev Abrahamyan | $12,000 |
| 4 | WGM Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova | $10,000 |
| T-5 | WGM Katerina Nemcova | $9,000 |
| T-5 | IM Stavroula Tsolakidou | $9,000 |
| T-7 | FM Ruiyang Yan | $6,000 |
| T-7 | IM Anna Zatonskih | $6,000 |
In Day 1 of the Finals in the Open Section, GM Levon Aronian had the winning advantage but faltered at the last moment, allowing GM Fabiano Caruana to escape with a draw. Day 2 of the Finals found Caruana and Aronian in a dynamically balanced middlegame, but a slight mistake by Aronian left him in an awkward position. Caruana showed flawless technique to win the game and ultimately win the Open Section prize of $50,000 plus the $10,000 Champions Bracket bonus.
“Every match in this tournament was quite tough but I took my chances in the most critical moments against each of my opponents,” said Fabiano Caruana. “I didn’t take any match lightly against these players, some of whom are younger and can play against the best in the world. I’m extremely pleased with how the event turned out and to have won this tournament on American soil.”
“It’s amazing to host a new tournament in this unique format featuring the top American players,” said Tony Rich, Executive Director of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “We look forward to bringing this event to chess fans year after year."
Open Tournament Final Standings
| Place | Name | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GM Fabiano Caruana | $50,000 |
| 2 | GM Levon Aronian | $35,000 |
| 3 | GM Leinier Dominguez | $25,000 |
| 4 | GM Ray Robson | $20,000 |
| T-5 | GM Sam Sevian | $18,000 |
| T-5 | GM Wesley So | $18,000 |
| T-7 | GM Sam Shankland | $12,000 |
| T-7 | GM Jeffery Xiong | $12,000 |
Fans can watch the full coverage of The American Cup on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube channel with expert commentary by GM’s Yasser Seirawan, Cristian Chirila and Alejandro Ramirez.
About The Saint Louis Chess Club
The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons, and special lectures.
Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.
# # #
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
Saint Louis Chess Club Announces 2022 Tournament Calendar
ST. LOUIS, April 26, 2022 - The Saint Louis Chess Club has announced their 2022 tournament calendar that will include national, international, and local tournament opportunities for spectators and chess players alike.
Below, you will find a table of invitational tournament dates scheduled for this year. All in-person tournaments will comply with all applicable COVID-19 guidelines and may still be subject to change.
| 2022 Tournament Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Saint Louis Norm Congress | May 19 - May 24, 2022 |
| Summer Chess Classic | June 2 - June 10, 2022 |
| U.S. Junior, Girls & Senior Championships | July 6 - July 16, 2022 |
| Grand Chess Tour: Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz | August 25 - August 30, 2022 |
| Grand Chess Tour: Sinquefield Cup | September 1 - September 13, 2022 |
| Champions Showdown: Chess 9LX | September 13 - September 16, 2022 |
| U.S. & U.S. Women's Championships | October 4 - October 20, 2022 |
| Fall Chess Classic | November 1 - November 11, 2022 |
| Saint Louis Norm Invitational | November 18 - November 23, 2022 |
| Winter Chess Classic | December 1 - December 11, 2022 |
The Saint Louis Chess Club plans to host their usual bout of major tournaments in 2022 along with continuing to provide their in-person weekly classes & lectures and in-person open tournaments. There will be a rotating schedule of Resident Grandmasters each month along with online and in-person scholastic tournaments and online Scouts BSA Chess Merit Badge workshops scheduled throughout the year. For more information, please visit the events calendar on saintlouischessclub.org or email at info@saintlouischessclub.org.
About The Saint Louis Chess Club
The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons, and special lectures.
Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.
# # #
SAINT LOUIS, March 8, 2022 - America’s best chess players will return to the Saint Louis Chess Club to battle over the board from April 18 - April 29, 2022 in a brand new and exciting tournament, The American Cup. With $300,000 in prize money up for grabs, the competitors will prove their mettle under mounting pressure in this double-elimination knockout tournament. This format promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats as they follow their favorites to victory.
“The American Cup promises to be an exciting new event on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s annual tournament calendar,'' said Executive Director Tony Rich. “The American Cup will be a fast-paced tournament that’s sure to keep fans entertained until the very last round.”
The format will have two brackets composed of eight players each. The eight player field will compete against each other in knockout style. The double elimination format ensures a second shot at the top for any player who loses a match.
Players will be seeded into the The American Cup by rating, and the initial round will pair 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5. Players will play a 2-game classical match followed by rapid tiebreaks if needed. The winners advance in the Championship Bracket, while those who lose their match continue with rapid chess in the Elimination Bracket. Anyone who loses their match in the Elimination Bracket is then eliminated from the tournament.
| GROUP A Field | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | First Name | Last Name | Invitational Rating |
| GM | Levon | Aronian | 2785 |
| GM | Fabiano | Caruana | 2781 |
| GM | Wesley | So | 2778 |
| GM | Leinier | Dominguez | 2756 |
| GM | Hikaru | Nakamura | 2750 |
| GM | Sam | Shankland | 2704 |
| GM | Jeffery | Xiong | 2686 |
| GM | Sam | Sevian | 2684 |
| GROUP B Field | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | First Name | Last Name | Invitational Rating |
| GM | Irina | Krush | 2421 |
| IM | Anna | Zatonskih | 2405 |
| IM | Stavroula | Tsolakidou | 2359 |
| FM | Alice | Lee | 2348 |
| WGM | Katerina | Nemcova | 2335 |
| WGM | Gulrukhbegim | Tokhirjonova | 2335 |
| WGM | Tatev | Abrahamyan | 2311 |
| FM | Ruiyang | Yan | 2284 |
In addition to the American Cup knockout event the Saint Louis Chess Club will host The American Cup Blitz on Friday, April 29th, a side event featuring eliminated players and local collegiate players.
The rounds will be streamed live daily starting at 1:00pm CT on uschesschamps.com from April 18 - April 29 with expert commentary featuring GM’s Yasser Seirawan, Cristian Chirila and Alejandro Ramirez.
About The Saint Louis Chess Club
The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.
Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit saintlouischessclub.org
###
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
Saint Louis Chess Club to Host its First Ever Double Knockout Tournament, The American Cup from April 18 - 29, 2022
This new tournament will feature the top chess players that live on American soil and battle over the board for a $300,000 prize fund.
SAINT LOUIS, February 14, 2022 – For the first time, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host The American Cup, highlighting an exciting and unique double elimination format. This new format and tournament will bring world class chess masters to America's chess capital to compete in a fierce do-or-die struggle for $300,000 total in prize money. With a double elimination format, fans can expect The American Cup to have a combination of exciting chess play, stunning upsets, and epic comebacks.
“We are thrilled to announce this new tournament at the Saint Louis Chess Club,” said Executive Director Tony Rich. “It will feature an exciting knockout format and include the very best chess players living in America.”
More information about the confirmed player's will be announced in the coming weeks. The rounds will be streamed live daily starting at 1:00pm CT on uschesschamps.com from April 18 - April 29, 2022. The American Cup players will be available for interviews with the media as scheduled on Tuesday, April 19th.
What: The American Cup
Who: Two, 8-Player Fields (Group A & Group B)
When: April 18 - April 29, 2022
Where: Saint Louis Chess Club, 4657 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
Watch Online: uschesschamps.com
| Day | Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | April 18 | 5:00 PM | Player Meeting |
| 6:00 PM | Private Opening Dinner | ||
| Tuesday | April 19 | As Scheduled | Player Headshots & Interviews |
| Wednesday | April 20 | 1:00 PM | Day 1 |
| Thursday | April 21 | 1:00 PM | Day 2 |
| Friday | April 22 | 1:00 PM | Day 3 |
| Saturday | April 23 | 1:00 PM | Day 4 |
| Sunday | April 24 | 1:00 PM | Day 5 |
| Monday | April 25 | Rest Day | Day 6 |
| Tuesday | April 26 | 1:00 PM | Day 7 |
| Wednesday | April 27 | 1:00 PM | Day 8 |
| Thursday | April 28 | 1:00 PM | Day 9 |
| Friday | April 29 | 1:00 PM | Day 10 |
| 7:00 PM | Private Closing Ceremony |
About the Saint Louis Chess Club
The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.
Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit saintlouischessclub.org
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