2026 US Chess Championships Kick Off with Exciting First Round

The 2026 US Chess Championships began on October 9 at the Saint Louis Chess Club, marked by the ceremonial ringing of a bell by Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield. In the open section, three players secured victories with the white pieces: Wesley So, Awonder Liang, and Jeffery Xiong, while the remaining games ended in draws.

Wesley So, celebrating his 33rd birthday, achieved an 80-move victory over Sam Shankland. Despite a blunder on move 38 that nearly shifted the advantage to Shankland, So maintained pressure and ultimately converted his extra pawn into a winning position. Awonder Liang also triumphed against Hans Niemann, gaining an early advantage and increasing it as Niemann struggled with his defense.

Jeffery Xiong's match against Sam Sevian was closely contested, with Xiong eventually capitalizing on Sevian's mistake in a king and pawn endgame. In the women's championship, four lower-rated players—Rachael Li, Anna Zatonskih, Thalia Cervantes, and Megan Paragua—secured wins, while defending champion Carissa Yip managed to draw against Alice Lee despite having a promising position.