Editor’s Note: Upcoming Updates on National Invitational Winners and Prizes
Illinois Claims Top Honors as National Invitationals Conclude
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In a thrilling culmination of chess prowess, Illinois emerged victorious in the National Invitationals, securing the title of Top State as the six tournaments for state champions wrapped up yesterday. The event, which saw 126 years of chess tradition, awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and cash prizes—a record for the tournament.
The excitement peaked as the 7-day, 5-day, and 4-day schedules merged for Round 7 of the 126th U.S. Open, setting the stage for Round 8 on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Round 9 on Sunday at 3 p.m. Chess enthusiasts can catch the action live, with WGM Sabina Foisor streaming the matches on the US Chess Twitch Channel.
Irwin Tournament Highlights
FM Julio Morella from Florida clinched the title at the 9th Annual John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions, finishing with an impressive score of 5/6. Morella’s strategic play against GM Dmitry Gurevich ensured his victory, earning him a $2,500 cash prize. The tournament concluded with a thrilling tie for second place among seven players, each taking home $485.71.
Denker Tournament Results
In the 42nd Annual GM Arnold Denker National Tournament of High School State Champions, CM Alex Zhang from Missouri triumphed on tiebreaks, edging out FM Stephen John Willy and IM Erick Zhao. Each co-champion received $566.66 in cash, while scholarships worth up to $5,000 were awarded based on tiebreaks.
Haring Tournament Victory
FM Jasmine Su from Connecticut dominated the 14th Annual WIM Ruth Haring National Tournament of Girls State Champions, finishing with a perfect score of 6/6. Su’s victory not only earned her an $800 cash prize but also a $5,000 scholarship.
Barber Tournament Highlights
Jason Marshal from South Carolina emerged victorious in the 16th Annual Dewain Barber National Tournament of Middle School State Champions, finishing with a score of 5/6. Marshal’s performance, which included wins against higher-rated players, earned him a $5,000 scholarship.
Rockefeller Tournament Success
Aayansh Samanta from Pennsylvania won the 7th Annual John D. Rockefeller III National Tournament of Elementary School State Champions with a score of 5½/6, securing both an $800 cash prize and a $5,000 scholarship.
Ashley Tournament Results
Max Mulholland from New York took home the title in the inaugural GM Maurice Ashley National Tournament of K-3 State Champions, winning on tiebreaks. Each of the co-champions received $566.67 in cash.
Team Competition
In a nail-biting finish, Illinois edged out Pennsylvania for the top team honors, both states finishing with a combined score of 25½/36. Illinois’s strong performance was bolstered by four players achieving 4½/6 scores.
Upcoming Events
As the U.S. Open continues, chess fans can look forward to the Weekend Swiss and the U.S. Open Blitz Championship, both set to take place soon. Additionally, WGM Jennifer Shahade will host a book signing and lecture, offering fans a chance to engage with the chess community.
Stay tuned for updates, including photos of the National Invitational winners and information about age- and rating-related prizes, which will be available tomorrow.
For more details on the ongoing U.S. Open, visit US Chess.