GM Levon Aronian emerged as the winner of the American Chess Cup 2024 after defeating GM Wesley So in the Grand Final!
On his way to the overall American Cup victory, Levon Aronian didn’t lose a single game and knocked out GM Sam Sevian, GM Fabiano Caruana and GM Ray Robson from the Champions bracket. Aronian met GM Wesley So in the Grand Final as the latter qualified from the elimination bracket.
The match for the title opened with three draws, but Levon Aronian prevailed in the fourth game after Wesley’s terrible blunder with 34.Qc5?? Levon covered the check, and Wesley So’s King didn’t have defense any longer, so the game finished in the next two moves. All games can be replayed here.
Levon Aronian won the Winner’s prize fo $90,000 as well as the $15,000 bonus as the Winner of the Champions bracket! Levon also won a luxurous Mongolian chess set donated by Khaan Chess which represents the cultural exchange between Mongolia and the United States. In addition, Levon also received a Tiffany bracelet.
In the post-match interview, Levon confessed he felt good playing sharp unsound openings: “I thought I’ve been playing adventurous chess here, and that brought me success, so I should stick to my guns“.
IM Alice Lee defeated GM Irina Krush in the Women’s section Grand Final match. Since the 14-year-old came to the Grand Final from the elimination bracket, Irina Krush will have her second chance to win the title. They will play a four-game rapid match today to determine the event’s winner.
Photos by Saint Louis Chess Club
