Caruana Draws With Liang, Maintains Lead; Yip’s Streak Is Snapped

GM Fabiano Caruana has taken another step towards defending his title at the 2024 U.S. Chess Championships after securing a draw with second-placed GM Awonder Liang and moving to 5.5/8. GM Leinier Dominguez’s win over GM Sam Sevian was the only decisive result in round nine, leaving nine players fighting for three podium spots.

In the women’s event, IM Carissa Yip’s historical streak finally came to an end due to a loss to FM Megan Lee. The 21-year-old looked set to press in the game but overplayed her hand and lost. Following a win with Black against GM Irina Krush, WGM Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova has moved to 6.5/9, a point and a half behind Yip.

Round 10 of the U.S. Championships will start on October 22 at 2 p.m. ET/20:00 CEST/11:30 p.m. IST.

Round 9 Standings: Championship