Fabiano Caruana Successfully Defends Title at 2024 U.S. Chess Championship, Carissa Yip Clinches Women’s Title

Fabiano Caruana successfully defended his title at the 2024 U.S. Chess Championship, securing a win over Sam Shankland in the final round to claim the $62,000 first prize and winner’s trophy. Caruana’s impressive 7/10 performance left him with a comfortable 1.5-point lead over six players tied for second place.

In the women’s event, Carissa Yip had already secured victory, leaving the spotlight on the race between Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova and Alice Lee for the second 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup ticket. Tokhirjonova’s win over Tatev Abrahamyan sealed her spot in the prestigious tournament.

The action at the Saint Louis Chess Club will continue with the 2024 9LX Chess event starting on October 28, featuring top players like Caruana, Garry Kasparov, and Hikaru Nakamura.

Caruana’s win marked his fourth U.S. title and saw him achieve his highest FIDE rating since 2021. Looking ahead, Caruana expressed his ambition to become a five-time champion, a feat achieved by only seven players in the tournament’s long history.

In the women’s championship, Yip and Lee settled for a draw in the final round, with Yip expressing surprise at Lee’s choice of opening. Tokhirjonova’s victory over Abrahamyan secured her the second World Cup ticket, while Megan Lee impressed with a brilliant rook sacrifice to finish in fourth place.

The tournament showcased exciting and decisive games, hinting at the possibility of future contenders aiming for a perfect 11/11 score, a feat not achieved since Bobby Fischer’s legendary performance in 1964.

With the 2024 U.S. Chess Championship wrapping up, all eyes are now on the upcoming 9LX Chess event, where Caruana will face tough competition from the likes of Kasparov and Nakamura. The chess world eagerly awaits the next chapter in these players’ competitive journeys.