Races Remain Tight After Tense Second Round
Races Remain Tight After Tense Second Round
Saint Louis, MO — The excitement is palpable at the Saint Louis Chess Club (SLCC) as the 2026 U.S. Junior and Senior Championship tournaments enter their third day. With only two rounds completed, the competition remains fierce, and only three players boast perfect 2/2 scores among the 39 competitors.
After a dramatic opening round that saw a staggering 70% of games end decisively, the second round brought a slight calm, yet still delivered 11 decisive results. As the tournament progresses, the stakes are rising, and the players are feeling the pressure.
Junior Championship: Pobody’s Nerfect
The Junior Championship has proven to be the most unpredictable section thus far, with no player achieving a perfect score. International Master Bach Ngo initially surged to the lead with a win in his first-ever Junior Championship game, but the competition quickly heated up.
Grandmaster Andy Woodward claimed his first victory of the tournament, capitalizing on a misstep by Ngo. Meanwhile, IM Tanitoluwa Adewumi showcased his tactical prowess by handing GM Nico Chasin his second consecutive loss in a game described by WGM Sabina Foisor as “Tal-esque.”
Adewumi’s mastery of the initiative was on full display, and he joins GM Abhimanyu Mishra, who defeated IM Alice Lee, among the leaders with a score of 1½/2. IM Evan Park also remains in contention, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead as the top players face off against each other.
Girls’ Junior Championship: Li Leads, Three Trail
In the Girls’ Junior Championship, WIM Rachael Li has emerged as the sole leader after winning her second consecutive game against WGM Rochelle Wu. Li’s performance has been impressive, and she now holds a half-point lead over WGM Zoey Tang, FM Megan Paragua, and FM Jasmine Su.
The competition is heating up, with Li set to face Su in a pivotal matchup today. The stakes are high as both players aim to solidify their standings in this tightly contested event.
Senior Championship: Akopian Back On Top
In the Senior Championship, reigning U.S. Senior Champion GM Vladimir Akopian is making a strong case for another title, starting with back-to-back victories. His latest win came against GM Joel Benjamin, who missed a critical opportunity to seize the advantage.
Akopian’s performance has put him in a commanding position, but IM Stuart Rachels is hot on his heels, setting up an anticipated clash between the two today.
Senior Women’s Championship: Skidmore Smith Leads, Lanni Withdraws
In the Senior Women’s Championship, Jennifer Skidmore Smith has taken the lead following a hard-fought victory against WFM Ivona Jezierska. However, the tournament faced an unexpected turn when WCM Diana Lanni withdrew due to a medical event, altering the dynamics of the competition.
With Lanni’s withdrawal, the tournament will now proceed as a nine-player event, and the remaining competitors are eager to capitalize on the shifting landscape.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the SLCC, where the tension is palpable and the competition fierce. With so much at stake, the coming rounds promise to deliver even more thrilling chess action.
For live updates and commentary, fans can follow the action on Twitch and YouTube.