Two New Champions Crowned in St. Louis: GM Christopher Yoo and IM Alice Lee Victorious

Two new champions were crowned in St. Louis yesterday, with GM Christopher Yoo winning the Junior championship and IM Alice Lee taking the Girls’ Junior title. This rare occurrence saw the top seed in each section emerge victorious, with GM Vladimir Akopian already securing the Senior Championship with a round to spare.

In the Junior Championship, Yoo’s dominant performance saw him clinch the title with a round to spare. His strategic play and consistency against the bottom half of the field propelled him to victory, securing him a spot in the U.S. Championships later this year. IM Justin Wang also put on a strong performance, finishing in clear second place.

In the Girls’ Junior Championship, IM Alice Lee fought hard to secure the title, overcoming tough opposition to claim the $6,000 first prize. FM Rose Atwell finished in clear second place, showcasing a marked improvement in her performance from the previous year.

In the U.S. Senior Championship, GM Jesse Kraai staged a remarkable comeback, winning his last four games to secure the $13,000 second prize. Despite being the lowest-rated player in the tournament, Kraai’s impressive performance left him a full point ahead of his competitors.

Overall, the U.S. Junior and Senior Championships provided a thrilling display of chess talent, with legends and future greats showcasing their skills on the board. The event continues to inspire with its competitive spirit and fighting chess seen across all sections.