Clear Leaders Emerge After Round 3
Just three days into the 2026 Junior and Senior Championships, we have a clear leader in all four sections. There’s still two more rounds before the rest day, so players are getting creative:
Brewington Hardaway (L) and Alexander Shabalov take rest where they can get it! (Photos courtesy SLCC/Lennart Ootes)
WIM Rachael Li and GM Vladimir Akopian — in the Girls’ Junior and Senior, respectively — are the lone players with 3/3 scores.
Rachael Li and Vladimir Akopian are the only players with 3/3 scores. (Photos courtesy SLCC/Lennart Ootes)
Akopian leads by a full point (shades of 2024, when Akopian had an even larger lead by this point), but players are only a half-point behind the leaders in the three other events.
With 12 more decisive games on Thursday, we yet again have a bounty of analysis from WGM Sabina Foisor. If a game isn’t given below, it will probably show up in a future Tactics Tuesday or Wednesday Workout.
Clear Leaders Emerge After Round 3 of the 2026 Junior and Senior Championships
St. Louis, MO — Just three days into the highly anticipated 2026 Junior and Senior Championships, clear leaders have emerged in all four sections, setting the stage for an electrifying continuation of the tournament. With two rounds remaining before a scheduled rest day, players are pushing their limits and showcasing their creativity on the board.
In the Girls’ Junior and Senior sections, WIM Rachael Li and GM Vladimir Akopian stand out as the only players boasting perfect 3/3 scores. Akopian, who leads the Senior Championship by a full point, is reminiscent of his dominant performance in 2024, when he had an even larger lead at this stage.
Senior Championship: Akopian Again
Akopian’s strategy appears to mirror his successful 2024 campaign: win decisively to maintain a comfortable lead. His latest victory over IM Stuart Rachels solidified his position at the top. Last year’s champion, GM Alexander Fishbein, also secured a win against GM Joel Benjamin, moving into a tie for second place with a score of 2/3. GM Alexander Onischuk joins Fishbein in second after defeating GM Alexander Goldin.
Meanwhile, GM Jesse Kraai, who has drawn his last three games despite having winning chances, faces a critical match against Akopian today. As one of five players tied for sixth with a score of 1/3, Kraai has the opportunity to tighten the standings.
Senior Women’s Championship: Skidmore Smith Holds Firm
In the Senior Women’s Championship, WFM Ivona Jezierska climbed to clear second place with a win over Catherine Dodson. WFM Jennifer Skidmore Smith, however, maintained her lead by drawing with two-time defending champion WFM Natalya Tsodikova. Skidmore Smith faces another tough challenge today against WGM Anjelina Belakovskaia, while Jezierska enjoys a bye.
Girls’ Junior Championship: Li and Tang in Hot Pursuit
The Girls’ Junior Championship remains fiercely competitive, with WIM Rachael Li continuing her winning streak against FM Jasmine Su. Defending champion WGM Zoey Tang also secured her second consecutive victory, keeping her within striking distance of Li. CM Irene Jiao Fei managed to hold FM Megan Paragua to a draw, marking her first point of the tournament.
Junior Championship: Mishra Takes the Lead
In the Junior Championship, GM Abhimanyu Mishra, the reigning U.S. Junior Champion, improved to 2½/3 with a stunning win over IM Evan Park. His closest competitors, IM Tanitoluwa Adewumi and GM Andy Woodward, drew their match, leaving them half a point behind. IM Bach Ngo also joined the chase for the top spot after a strong performance against GM Kirk Ghazarian.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the leaders as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming rounds. With 12 more decisive games scheduled for Thursday, the excitement is palpable, and fans can expect more thrilling chess action.
For live updates and commentary, follow the event on Twitch and YouTube, or check the official website for more information.