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.
