Wesley So Takes Sole Lead in US Chess Championship

Wesley So has become the sole leader of the US Chess Championship following his victory over Ray Robson in round seven. With this win, So now holds 5/7 points, placing him half a point ahead of Fabiano Caruana and Andy Woodward, who both drew their matches.

So's match against Robson was challenging, as he initially allowed Robson to gain control in the endgame. However, Robson could not maintain his advantage, leading to a simplified bishop endgame where So had two connected passed pawns. This victory marked So's fourth win in the tournament.

In other matches, Awonder Liang, who was previously tied for first, lost to Grigoriy Oparin, dropping to 4/7 points. Caruana and Woodward were unable to catch up with So, with Caruana drawing against Hans Niemann and Woodward splitting points with Sam Sevian. The next round will feature a direct matchup between So and Woodward.