French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja claimed the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz winner’s trophy in dominant fashion, securing victory with two rounds to spare.
Despite a modest start on Day 1 of the Rapid section, Firouzja gained momentum, finishing tied for the top spot after the Rapid games. He then excelled in the Blitz portion to clinch first place and the $40,000 top prize.
The event, held from August 12-16 at The World Chess Hall of Fame in Saint Louis, was the final speed event of the 2024 Grand Chess Tour. It featured seven full-tour players and three wildcards, with a total prize fund of $175,000.
Final combined standings + prize money:
1 Alireza Firouzja FRA 2731 – 23 ($40,000)
2 Wesley So USA 2735 – 20 ($30,000)
3 Hikaru Nakamura USA 2746 – 19.5 ($25,000)
4-5 Levon Aronian USA 2754 and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave FRA 2747 – 19 ($17,500)
6-7 Fabiano Caruana USA 2777 and Ian Nepomniachtchi FID 2753 – 18 ($10,500)
8 Nodirbek Abdusattorov UZB 2732 – 16 ($9,000)
9 Leinier Dominguez USA 2693 – 15.5 ($8,000)
10 Praggnanadhaa R IND 2688 – 12 ($7,000)
Next up is the prestigious Sinquefield Cup, taking place from August 19-29, with a prize fund of $350,000.
Rex Sinquefield to Alireza Firouzja: “Since you’ve done so well here I want you to know if you decide to move here, you’re welcome!”
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