2012 U.S. Championships News

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Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
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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

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

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.

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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.

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

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