The eight-time women’s champion GM Irina Krush is playing in St. Louis. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Saint Louis Chess Club.

Draws on all boards in round one of the 2024 U.S. Championship have already dashed the chances of a player repeating GM Bobby Fischer’s perfect score in the 1958 championship, but there are clear signs that the U.S. championship title and $55,000 first prize will be hotly contested. The only player who came close to winning their round one game was GM Hans Niemann, who missed a window of opportunity against the defending champion GM Fabiano Caruana.

In the women’s event, IM Carissa Yip defeated WGM Thalia Cervantes, while IM Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova and FM Rose Atwell won with the black pieces against IMs Nazi Paikidze and Anna Zatonskih, respectively.

Round two starts on October 12 at 11 a.m. PT/22:00 CEST.

Round 1 Standings: Championship