Recap of the 2024 Summer Chess Classic at the Saint Louis Chess Center

The 2024 Summer Chess Classic wrapped up on Wednesday, June 5, at the Saint Louis Chess Center after nine intense rounds of play in two ten-player Round Robin tournaments. The competition was fierce, with players battling it out for the top spots in both the A and B groups.

In the A Group, GM Andrew Hong showcased his dominance by adding two more wins to his tally, putting him in sole first place with a score of 5½/8 going into the final round. However, Hong faced tough competition from GMs Grigoriy Oparin, Ray Robson, and Awonder Liang, who were all within striking distance of the lead. In a dramatic turn of events, Hong ultimately lost his final game, allowing Robson to claim clear first place by a half-point.

Meanwhile, in the B Group, GM Steven Zierk made a strong comeback to overtake GM Andy Woodward, who had held the lead earlier in the tournament. Zierk’s impressive performance, including a come-from-behind win against GM Irina Krush and a tough endgame battle against GM Melikset Khachiyan, secured him the top spot with a score of 6/8. Woodward fought hard in the final round, forcing a blitz tiebreak, but Zierk ultimately emerged victorious to claim the title.

The tournament featured exciting games and strategic battles, with players showcasing their skills and determination throughout the competition. All games and results from the 2024 Summer Chess Classic are available on Chess.com for fans to review and enjoy.