The Saint Louis Chess Club has expelled GM Christopher Yoo from the 2024 U.S. Championship, saying in a statement after round five that the 17-year-old was guilty of „gross violations“ of the event’s „Code of Conduct“ and the „US Chess Safe Play Policy.“
After losing his fifth-round game to GM Fabiano Caruana, Yoo is alleged to have „crumpled his scoresheet, stormed out of the tournament hall and struck a videographer from behind,“ according to the Saint Louis Chess Club, who say the police were called and responded. They add:
„We take player conduct seriously and do not tolerate violations of our standards. We acted swiftly to address this situation, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for everyone involved in the tournament.“
The remainder of the tournament will continue uninterrupted with the following regulations put in place, since less than half the event had been completed:
„Yoo’s results from rounds 1-5 will be annulled and the tournament standings will be adjusted accordingly. Players scheduled to face Yoo in the remaining rounds will receive a bye, granting them an additional rest day.“
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The eight-time women’s champion GM Irina Krush is playing in St. Louis. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Saint Louis Chess Club.