14-year-old American prodigy, IM Alice Lee, emerged as the Winner of the American Women’s Chess Cup 2024! The event took place from 12-21 March as a double-elimination eight-player event with $150,000 prize pool.
IM Alice Lee defeated eight-time US Women’s Chess Champion GM Irina Krush in the Grand Final to win her maiden American Chess Cup title. It was a thrilling match which opened with four rapid games. All four games were decisive, and after Krush took a 2-1 lead, Alice Lee won the final rapid game on demand to stay in the race for the title.
The Finals advanced to a two-game blitz match, and Alice Lee opened fiercely, winning the first game with Black. It was Irina Krush now who played Black needed a victory and she opted for a very aggressive King’s Indian defense. Irina had it all in her hands, but shockingly blundered in a winning position and Lee won the mini-blitz match with the final score of 2-0.
IM Alice Lee earned the money prize of $40,000 and GM Irina Krush pocketed $39,000 prize as the Winner of the Champion bracket.
Photos by Saint Louis Chess Club
