2012 U.S. Championships News
Top Female Chess Players to Compete in Elite Cairns Cup
Saint Louis Chess Club to host International players to vie for one of the largest chess prize funds for women
SAINT LOUIS, May 11, 2023 - The Cairns Cup, an elite level female chess tournament created by the Saint Louis Chess Club, returns this June and will feature ten of the world's best female chess players. Inspired by its mission to further promote the game of chess to women, the tournament is aptly named in honor of Saint Louis Chess Club co-founder Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield’s maiden name.
The ten player round robin tournament will be hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club at the World Chess Hall of Fame from June 3-13, 2023 and will feature one of the strongest female fields, as they compete for a total prize fund of $180,000.
“The Saint Louis Chess Club continues to bring new and innovative ways to promote the game of chess,” said Tony Rich, Executive Director of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “The Cairns Cup is exciting to watch because it brings together one of the strongest international fields ever assembled in women’s chess with one of the largest prize funds for an all-female tournament”.
The 2023 Cairns Cup field will feature:
|
TITLE |
NAME |
FIDE RATING |
FEDERATION |
|
GM |
Humpy Koneru |
2576 |
IND |
|
GM |
Alexandra Kosteniuk |
2535 |
SUI |
|
GM |
Nana Dzagnidze |
2525 |
GEO |
|
GM |
Harika Dronavalli |
2511 |
IND |
|
GM |
Zhansaya Abdumalik |
2497 |
KAZ |
|
GM |
Elisabeth Paehtz |
2479 |
GER |
|
GM |
Bella Khotenashvili |
2478 |
GEO |
|
IM |
Gunay Mammadzada |
2449 |
AZE |
|
GM |
Irina Krush |
2436 |
USA |
|
IM |
Anna Zatonskih |
2330 |
USA |
“We are proud to again offer an elite international chess tournament created to provide more opportunities for female chess players,” said Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, Co-founder of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “We hope by providing a world class facility and a competitive prize fund, we will help inspire more women to play chess on a competitive level.”
Each round will be streamed live daily from June 3-10 at 1 p.m. CT with the expert commentary team of Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan, International Master Nazi Paikidze and Woman Grandmaster Anastasiya Karlovich.
For more information and to watch the livestream, visit uschesschamps.com.
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.
Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura and Grandmaster Irina Krush Win The Second Annual American Cup
$300,000 in Prize Money Awarded During Double-Elimination Knockout Tournaments
SAINT LOUIS, March 28, 2023 - Grandmasters Hikaru Nakamura and Irina Krush bested a field of elite chess players from across the United States to take top honors in the 2023 Open and Women’s American Cup tournaments, respectively.
The double-elimination knockout tournament hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club at the World Chess Hall of Fame from March 17-26, 2023, featured a total prize fund of $300,000.
“This year’s American Cup featured exciting chess play, stunning upsets and epic comebacks,” said Tony Rich, Executive Director of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “It’s always exciting to see these incredible players compete and this year’s American Cup was no different. We congratulate Hikaru and Irina on their brilliant wins against a stellar field of competitors.”
Open Section Final Standings
Hikaru Nakamura pulled through to become the 2023 American Cup Champion after defeating Wesley So 2.5-1.5 in a difficult final Elimination Match, winning $60,000. The finale started out with three solid draws, but finished abruptly in the fourth game after a blunder by So who got his queen trapped inside Nakamura’s territory. So takes home $35,000 for his impressive performance during the tournament.
“Frankly, I felt like it would come down to who won the first championship match. We are both so evenly matched. It was tough and either of us could have won, but I’m thankful to get the win,” said Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura in his post-game interview.
|
Place |
Name |
Prize Money |
|
1 |
$60,000 |
|
|
2 |
GM Wesley So |
$35,000 |
|
3 |
$25,000 |
|
|
4 |
$20,000 |
|
|
T-5 |
$18,000 |
|
|
T-5 |
$18,000 |
|
|
T-7 |
GM Ray Robson |
$12,000 |
|
T-7 |
GM Sam Sevian |
$12,000 |
Women's Section Final Standings
Eight-time U.S. Women’s Champion Irina Krush bounced back from a loss in classical to defeat a surging 13 year old Alice Lee in a rapid playoff and went on to win her second straight Women’s American Cup title and $30,000. Lee, the youngest player in the field, took home an impressive $18,000.
“The format is great and there will be decisive games no matter what. Match play is the most exciting format in chess - classical, rapid & blitz. I love this format and I hope I contributed to the excitement of this event,” said Grandmaster Irina Krush.
|
Place |
Name |
Prize Money |
|
1 |
GM Irina Krush |
$30,000 |
|
2 |
FM Alice Lee |
$18,000 |
|
3 |
$12,000 |
|
|
4 |
$10,000 |
|
|
T-5 |
$9,000 |
|
|
T-5 |
WGM Tatev Abrahamyan |
$9,000 |
|
T-7 |
$6,000 |
|
|
T-7 |
WGM Katerina Nemcova |
$6,000 |
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.
The American Cup Returns to Saint Louis March 17-26, 2023
16 Chess Players Will Compete in a Double-Elimination
Knockout for $300,000 in Prizes
SAINT LOUIS, Feb 21 2023 - America’s best chess players will return to the Saint Louis Chess Club to battle over the board from March 17- 26, 2023 for the second annual 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.
“We are thrilled to once again welcome America’s best chess players to the Saint Louis Chess Club in Chess Capital USA,'' said Tony Rich, Executive Director of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “This year’s event 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 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.
Open Field
|
Title |
First |
Last |
FIDE Rating |
|
GM |
Hikaru |
Nakamura |
2768 |
|
GM |
Fabiano |
Caruana |
2766 |
|
GM |
Wesley |
So |
2760 |
|
GM |
Leinier |
Dominguez |
2743 |
|
GM |
Levon |
Aronian |
2735 |
|
GM |
Sam |
Shankland |
2710 |
|
GM |
Ray |
Robson |
2702 |
|
GM |
Sam |
Sevian |
2687 |
Women’s Field
|
Title |
First |
Last |
FIDE Rating |
|
GM |
Irina |
Krush |
2432 |
|
IM |
Anna |
Zatonskih |
2348 |
|
WGM |
Begim |
Tokhirjonova |
2328 |
|
WGM |
Katerina |
Nemcova |
2325 |
|
IM |
Nazi |
Paikidze |
2314 |
|
WGM |
Atousa |
Pourkashiyan |
2313 |
|
FM |
Alice |
Lee |
2300 |
|
WGM |
Tatev |
Abrahamyan |
2294 |
In addition to the main event, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host The American Cup Blitz on Sunday, March 26, a side event featuring eliminated players and titled players.
The rounds will be streamed live daily from March 17 - 26 at 1:00 pm CT on uschesschamps.com with expert commentary featuring Grandmasters Yasser Seirawan and Cristian Chirila along with International Master Jovanka Houska.
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, contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Saint Louis Chess Club
(314) 277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
For Immediate Release
Saint Louis Chess Club Announces 2023 Tournament Calendar
ST. LOUIS, INSERT DATE - The Saint Louis Chess Club has announced their 2023 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.
|
2023 Tournament Calendar |
|
|
Saint Louis Super Swiss |
March 11 - March 19 |
|
American Cup |
March 16 - March 26 |
|
Spring Chess Classic |
April 1 - April 10 |
|
Cairns Cup |
June 1 - June 13 |
|
U.S. Junior, Girls & Senior Championships |
July 14 - July 26 |
|
Summer Chess Classic |
August 1 - August 11 |
|
Saint Louis Norm Invitational |
August 14 - August 20 |
|
Champions Showdown: Chess 9LX |
September 7 - 10 |
|
U.S. & U.S. Women's Championships |
October 4 - October 18 |
|
Grand Chess Tour: Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz |
November 11 - November 19 |
|
Grand Chess Tour: Sinquefield Cup |
November 19 - December 3 |
|
Winter Chess Classic |
December 1 - December 11 |
The Saint Louis Chess Club plans to host their usual bout of major tournaments in 2023 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.
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
(314) 277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouichessclub.org
For Immediate Release
2022 U.S. Chess Champions: Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana and Woman Grandmaster Jennifer Yu Take Their Second Championship Titles
The Nation’s Most Elite Invitational Chess Tournaments Conclude at Saint Louis Chess Club with Worthy Champions
SAINT LOUIS (October 24, 2022) – Twenty eight of America’s best chess players gathered in Saint Louis, America’s Chess Capital, at the Saint Louis Chess Club for the 2022 U.S. & U.S. Women’s Chess Championships held from October 4 - October 20, 2022.
Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana claimed the 2022 U.S. Chess Championship, his second national title after his draw in the final round against GM Levon Aronian, a first-time competitor in the U.S. Championship. Caruana earned the $60,000 top prize while GM Ray Robson finished second, earning $45,000.
“I want to extend my thanks to everyone who makes chess in Saint Louis and the United States possible,” said Caruana upon receiving his second U.S. Championship trophy. “I am humbled because I’ve been playing chess here for six years and have had the opportunity to see all my colleagues continue to grow and develop while also making chess in this country stronger is such an honor and a privilege.”
20-year-old Woman Grandmaster Jennifer Yu was crowned 2022 U.S. Women’s Champion, her second title after defeating eight-time U.S. Women’s Champion GM Irina Krush in the playoff during an Armageddon tiebreak. Yu took home the $40,000 U.S. Women’s Championship first place prize while GM Irina Krush received the $30,000 second place prize.
“I would like to thank everyone for making this year’s tournament such an amazing experience,” said Yu in her acceptance speech to the crowd. “Every round was definitely interesting and I would like to especially thank my co-champion Irina, for being such a great competitor it feels amazing to have won my second U.S. Women’s Championship title.”
“It is because of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield’s contribution to chess and thanks to the Saint Louis Chess Club that we are pleased to announce the return of the U.S. Chess & U.S. Women’s Chess Championships for 2023,” said Randy Bauer, President of US Chess Federation. “This year US Chess made Saint Louis our chess home as our office is now located here and we are hopeful that US Chess and the tournament will be permanent residents in Saint Louis.”
The top five players in the 2022 U.S. Chess Championships, Fabiano Caruana, Ray Robson, Leinier Dominguez, Awonder Liang, and Wesley So will qualify for the World Cup. The top two in the 2022 U.S. Women’s Chess Championships, WGM Jennifer Yu and GM Irina Krush qualify for the Women’s World Cup. Some of these players named above will qualify for the World Cup in other ways, in which case those invitations will go to the next players in the 2022 U.S. Chess & U.S. Women’s Championships standings.
Read our daily round recaps on the 2022 U.S. Championships at www.uschesschamps.com or watch the tournament broadcast coverage on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube channel.
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.
###
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - Over more than a decade, we have worked tirelessly to fuel a resurgence of chess in America, to create a place for elite chess players to play at the highest levels for the greatest purses, and to democratize access to chess to all players, no matter age, race or skill set.
It’s been remarkable to see the widespread discussion around chess over the past several weeks, but it’s important that we are clear on our position as it relates to cheating.
We take great pride in being able to host the top chess players from across the world at the Saint Louis Chess Club. As with all events, it’s imperative that we maintain high standards for fair tournament play. We always have - and will continue - to implement extensive anti-cheating measures.
As we prepare for the upcoming U.S. Chess and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships, we anticipate hosting another successful event, complete with rigorous protocols to ensure the best chess players in the country can continue to compete on an even playing field.