Champions Shine in American Cup 2026: GMs and WGMs Advance in Thrilling Matches
GMs Caruana, Liang, Sevian, and So Advance in Thrilling American Cup 2026
St. Louis, MO – The stakes were high as the American Cup 2026 continued to unfold, showcasing the brilliance of top chess talents. Grandmasters Fabiano Caruana, Awonder Liang, Sam Sevian, and Wesley So emerged victorious in the Champions Bracket, defeating formidable opponents to secure their spots in the next round.
In a gripping day of chess, Caruana faced off against rising star Abhimanyu Mishra. After a tense classical game that ended in a draw, Caruana’s strategic prowess shone through in the blitz playoffs, allowing him to advance. “I had to be solid and play for the draw,” Caruana remarked, reflecting on his approach.
Sevian also made headlines with a decisive victory over GM Leinier Dominguez, marking his first classical win against the seasoned competitor. “I prefer to play with queens on the board with attacking chances,” Sevian said, showcasing his aggressive style that ultimately paid off.
Liang and So, meanwhile, overcame their opponents in nail-biting blitz playoffs. Liang’s victory against Levon Aronian was particularly noteworthy, as he outmaneuvered the higher-rated player in a dramatic finish. “I just kept the match alive,” Liang commented, highlighting his tactical mindset.
In the Women’s American Cup, WGM Zoey Tang pulled off a stunning upset against eight-time U.S. women’s champion Irina Krush. After a must-win classical game, Tang triumphed in the blitz playoffs, advancing alongside IMs Carissa Yip, Tatev Abrahamyan, and Alice Lee. Yip’s victory over IM Anna Zatonskih was another highlight, showcasing her resilience after a previous missed opportunity.
The excitement continues as Day Three of the American Cup is set for Thursday, March 5, starting at 1:10 p.m. ET. With a prize fund of $250,000 in the open tournament and $150,000 in the women’s, the competition is fierce, and every match could be a game-changer.
As the tournament progresses, chess enthusiasts eagerly await the next round of battles, where strategy, skill, and a bit of luck will determine who will emerge as champions.