2015 US Champs: Nakamura and Krush

Hikaru Nakamura

Irina Krush

Grandmasters Hikatu Nakamura and Irina Krush, both top rated in the country, finished first at the 2015 US Championships in Saint Louis.  For Nakamura, it was his fourth title and the solid result left him at 2799, number 3 in the world rankings.  Undefeated and among the leaders throughout, the favorite found himself unable to separate from the competition, specifically GM Ray Robson, who took second place.  Krush captured her seventh Women's crown, tying a record dating back to the 1970s.  Her path to victory was more adventuresome and included an early defeat at the hands of second place finisher IM Nazi Paikidze.

Nakamura prowls as spectators watch. All photos from CCSCSL website.

US Championship (12 player RR)

1. Hikaru Nakamura 8.0
2. Ray Robson 7.5
3. Wesley So 6.5
4. Alexander Onischuk 6.0
5. Sam Sevian 5.5
6. Gata Kamsky 5.5
7. Varuzhan Akobian 5.5

Women's Championship (12 player RR)

1. Irina Krush 8.5
2. Nazi Paikidze 7.5
3. Katerina Nemcova 7.5
4. Viktorija Ni 7.0
5. Anna Sharevich 6.5

Outside the chess club.

The tournament did not go well for the Bay Area participants.  GM Sam Shankland ended up in eighth place, although his lone victoryn versus GM Timur Gareev earned the Best Game prize.  Unfortunately, GM Daniel Naroditsky began with a pair of losses and never recovered.

Play through the games here.  Thanks to sponsor Rex Sinquefield and the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis for hosting the spectacular multimedia show.

Next up in Saint Louis: a thrilling rapid and blitz exhibition between chess legends Garry Kasparov and Nigel Short on April 25-26!