2012 U.S. Championships News
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
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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
###
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
Third Annual Cairns Cup Postponed Due to New COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
SAINT LOUIS, December 17, 2021 – The Saint Louis Chess Club regretfully announces the postponement of the upcoming Cairns Cup tournament that was originally scheduled from February 8 - February 19, 2022. The global pandemic known as COVID-19 continues to impact over-the-board events in America due to COVID-19 travel restrictions for non U.S. citizens.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, travel restrictions for non-U.S. citizens have changed as of December 6, 2021. A non-U.S. citizen or a non-U.S immigrant must be fully vaccinated with either the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine to travel to the United States by plane. All non-U.S citizens are also required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when traveling to the United States by air.
“The Saint Louis Chess Club’s priority is the health and well-being of our participants, spectators, staff and partners,” said Saint Louis Chess Club Executive Director Tony Rich. “We look forward to hosting the Cairns Cup at a later date in 2022 once travel restrictions have been revised and non-local players are able to enter the United States.”
Details on dates and format for the 2022 Cairns Cup will be announced in the coming months. For more information, please 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 saintlouischessclub.org
###
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
Saint Louis Chess Club to Host Third Annual Cairns Cup
Coming February 8-19, 2022, Saint Louis will host an elite tournament for top female players
SAINT LOUIS, December 2, 2021 – For the third time, the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the Cairns Cup, an elite level tournament for the top female players from around the world. Inspired by its mission to further promote the game of chess to females, the Chess Club aptly chose the name Cairns Cup in honor of its co-founder, Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield.
Fans can look forward to a chess tournament similar in style to the prestigious Sinquefield Cup with the ten best female players from around the world competing in the Chess Club’s world-renowned facility for a $180,000 prize fund. More information, including the field of players, will be announced at a later date.
What: Third Annual Cairns Cup
Who: Ten of the top female players from around the world
When: February 8-19, 2022
Where: Saint Louis Chess Club, 4657 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
| Day | Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | February 8 | 6:00 PM | Opening Ceremony |
| Wednesday | February 9 | 1:00 PM | Round 1 |
| Thursday | February 10 | 1:00 PM | Round 2 |
| Friday | February 11 | 1:00 PM | Round 3 |
| Saturday | February 12 | 1:00 PM | Round 4 |
| Sunday | February 13 | 1:00 PM | Round 5 |
| Monday | February 14 | Rest Day | Rest Day |
| Tuesday | February 15 | 1:00 PM | Round 6 |
| Wednesday | February 16 | 1:00 PM | Round 7 |
| Thursday | February 17 | 1:00 PM | Round 8 |
| Friday | February 18 | 1:00 PM | Round 9 |
| Saturday | February 19 | 1:00 PM | Playoffs (if necessary) |
| 6:00 PM | 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
###
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
2021 U.S. Chess Champions: Teenage Talent Yip Wins U.S. Women’s Championship While Veteran So Claims Third U.S. Championship Title
The Nation’s Most Elite, Invitation-Only Chess Tournaments Conclude at Saint Louis Chess Club with Worthy Champions
SAINT LOUIS, October 20, 2021 – 24 of America’s best chess players gathered in Saint Louis, America’s Chess Capital, at the Saint Louis Chess Club for the 2021 U.S. & U.S. Women’s Chess Championships held from October 5 - October 19, 2021. 18-year-old International Master Carissa Yip was crowned U.S. Women’s Champion with a round to spare, finishing with an incredible 8.5/11 score. Veteran Grandmaster Wesley So claimed the 2021 U.S. Chess Championship, his third national title after winning a three-way playoff against GM Fabiano Caruana and GM Sam Sevian with a final score of 6.5/11 (2.0/2 for the playoff). So managed to defeat both Caruana and Sevian in the rapid round-robin playoff, earning him the $50,000 first place prize and his third national title.
Having lost the first game to So, Caruana was in a must-win situation heading into the second round of the playoff against Sevian. After slowly building up the pressure, Caruana eventually found a winning tactical shot to decide the game. The third and final game of the playoff saw Wesley just needing a draw to clinch the title, while Sevian would need to win to force another three-way tie and take the playoffs to blitz. Sevian tried to put up resistance and keep the game complicated, but So remained calm and slowly converted his advantage, ultimately winning the playoff and his third U.S Chess Championship title.
“I would like to thank all of the chess supporters, especially Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, for everything they do,” said GM Wesley So. “I wasn’t actually expecting to be in the playoff today, winning this tournament means so much to me as a professional chess player and I’m excited to celebrate.”
On the final day of the 2021 U.S. Women’s Championship, tournament champion IM Carissa Yip drew her last round game after surviving a lost position against WGM Katerina Nemcova, ending with a final score of 8.5/11. GM Irina Krush and WGM Begim Tokhirjonova entered the round tied for second with 6.5/10, but only Tokhirjonova was able to score, drawing her game against WGM Thalia Cervantes. Meanwhile, Krush ended up blundering and losing to WGM Tatev Abrahamyan to finish with a third place win.
IM Carissa Yip ultimately beat four former U.S. Women’s Champions in this event, including Irina Krush, Anna Zatonskih, Nazi Paikidze and Sabina Foisor. This is an accomplishment that has never been done before in the Women’s field. “I had no idea that was the case, ” said a smiling Carissa Yip, in her post-game interview. “It was a very pleasant surprise to find out I not only won first place but I was the first woman to beat four former U.S. Women champions. I want to thank my family and friends for their support. This was an amazing win for me.” Yip not only won the first place trophy but took home the $25,000 first-place prize as well.
For more information on the 2021 U.S. Championships or upcoming championship events, visit www.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 saintlouischessclub.org
###
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Buffington
Marketing & Event Manager
(314)277-3930
rbuffington@saintlouischessclub.org
2021 U.S. and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships Fields Announced
The Saint Louis Chess Club to Host Nation’s Top Chess Talent Along with 2020 U.S. Chess and 2021 World Chess Hall of Fames Inductions
SAINT LOUIS, September 21, 2021 – The Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) is pleased to announce they will host America’s best chess players for the 2021 U.S. Chess Championship and 2021 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship. The fields are confirmed and fans are sure to see some exciting battles over the board from October 5 - October 19, 2021.
Tuesday, October 5th will kick off the chess festivities with the Private Opening Ceremony for the 2021 U.S. Chess and U.S. Women's Chess Championships and the 2020 U.S. Chess Hall of Fame Inductions of Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield & Rex Sinquefield.
Rex Sinquefield, Missouri resident who was born in Saint Louis and co-founder of the STLCC responsible for the relocation of the World Chess Hall of Fame to Saint Louis, Missouri, and the rapid resurgence of American chess; and Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield, Missouri resident and co-founder of the STLCC, who spearheaded the launch of Scouts BSA chess merit badge and helped bring the benefits of chess to thousands of children in the Saint Louis metropolitan area and across the country.
The 2021 U.S. & U.S. Women’s Chess Championships will conclude with a private closing ceremony and the 2021 World Chess Hall of Fame Inductions of Grandmasters Judit Polgar, Miguel Najdorf, and Eugene Torre.
Judit Polgar, who is universally considered to be the strongest woman chess player of all time and broke Bobby Fischer’s record as the world’s youngest grandmaster; Miguel Najdorf, whose name is associated with one of the most famous openings in chess, the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defense, in addition to being one of the most successful performers in Chess Olympiad history; and Eugene Torre, a trailblazer for Asian chess for half a century, achieving a number of continental milestones including first grandmaster, first to defeat a reigning world champion, and first to reach the Candidates stage of the World Championship.
“Participating in the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships has been considered one of the ultimate goals for elite chess players in this country,” said Tony Rich, Executive Director of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “Although last year’s tournaments were held online we are thrilled to announce the return of these two over the board events that will once again be held in the Nation’s Chess Capital. The drama and excitement that is sure to unfold provides inspiration for chess players in the United States and worldwide. We look forward to hosting our nation’s chess championships for the 13th consecutive year and showcasing the best of our sport.”
"We are pleased that our premier events are returning to over-the-board play, and that they continue to be hosted by our partners at the Saint Louis Chess Club, who always make the experience an exceptional one for both players and fans, " said US Chess Executive Director, Carol Meyer.
The 2021 U.S. Championships will be streamed live daily starting at 1:00pm CT on www.uschesschamps.com, featuring play-by-play and analysis from the world-renowned commentary team of GM Yasser Seirawan, GM Maurice Ashley and GM Christian Chirilla. Additional event information may be found at www.uschesschamps.com.
| 2021 U.S. Chess Championship Field | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title | First Name | Last Name | Invitational Rating* | Qualification Method |
| GM | Fabiano | Caruana | 2855 | Rating |
| GM | Wesley | So | 2807 | 2020 U.S. Champion |
| GM | Lenier | Dominguez | 2794 | Rating |
| GM | Jeffery | Xiong | 2748 | Rating |
| GM | Sam | Shankland | 2736 | Rating |
| GM | Ray | Robson | 2711 | Rating |
| GM | Dariusz | Swiercz | 2698 | Rating |
| GM | Sam | Sevian | 2692 | Rating |
| GM | Lazaro | Bruzon | 2686 | Rating |
| GM | Alex | Lenderman | 2668 | U.S Chess Online Qualifier (replaced US Open) |
| GM | Daniel | Naroditsky | 2654 | Wildcard |
| GM | John | Burke | 2589 | 2020 U.S. Junior Champion |
| 2021 U.S. Women's Chess Championship Field | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title | First Name | Last Name | Invitational Rating* | Qualification Method |
| GM | Irina | Krush | 2475 | 2020 U.S. Women's Champion |
| IM | Carissa | Yip | 2468 | 2020 US Girls’ Junior Champion |
| WGM | Anna | Zatonskih | 2453 | Rating |
| WGM | Tatev | Abrahamyan | 2403 | Rating |
| WIM | Nazi | Paikidze | 2386 | Rating |
| WIM | Gulrukhbegim | Tokhirjonova | 2375 | Rating |
| WIM | Katerina | Nemcova | 2347 | Rating |
| WGM | Thalia | Cervantes | 2316 | Rating |
| WGM | Anna | Sharevich | 2296 | Rating |
| WIM | Sabina | Foisor | 2286 | Rating |
| WIM | Ashritha | Eswaran | 2286 | Wildcard |
| WIM | Megan | Lee | 2268 | Wildcard |
*Invitational ratings are calculated based on the September U.S. Chess rating supplement, with bonuses for being at or near peak rating and penalties for inactivity.*
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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