2013 U.S. and Women’s Chess Champions Crowned in Saint Louis

ST. LOUIS, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL) crowned Grandmaster Gata Kamsky, 38, the 2013 U.S. Chess Champion and Irina Krush , 29, the 2013 Women’s Chess Champion. Both champions hail from New York City.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130514/CG13852)

The prestigious tournaments are element of the “Triple Crown” of chess championships held in the United States this year. The third event is the Junior Championship, a tournament for players under the age of 21, which occurs on the CCSCSL June 13-23.

“It makes me more than pleased after all,” Kamsky said. “But I’m also excited to peer this younger generation playing so well. The way forward for U.S. chess looks bright.”

Kamsky is currently ranked No. 17 on the planet and No. 2 inside the U.S. by rating. He beat out 23 of the pinnacle-ranked chess players in the United States to win the title and grand prize of $30,000. This marks his fourth U.S. Championship title. Grandmaster Alejandro Ramirez , 24, the second one-place winner, receives $20,000. The U.S. tournament’s total winnings for first through last place totaled greater than $180,000.

Krush beat out nine of the tip-ranked female chess players in the United States to win the Women’s Championship and grand prize of $18,000. This marks her fifth Women’s Championship title. The second one-place finisher, International Master Anna Zatonskih, 34, took home a $12,000 prize. The women’s tournament’s total winnings for first through last place totaled greater than $65,000.

“Sometimes you simply wonder why all of it comes together,” Krush said. “Here’s what I came to do, and that i go the job done. i feel I’m getting happier by the minute.”

The CCSCSL was home to the Championships for the last five years, helping contribute to St. Louis‘ reputation because the “Hub of U.S. Chess.” Town can be home to the Guinness World Record for the most important chess piece on this planet and the area Chess Hall of Fame. In April, members of the CCSCSL visited The Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. and resolutions were introduced to determine Saint Louis because the official capital of chess in the United States.

“These players are the superstars of the U.S. chess scene,” said CCSCSL Executive Director Tony Rich . “We are hoping their play will inspire young chess players all around the country to realize good stuff.”

About The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis
The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization it is committed to creating chess an incredible section of our community. Besides providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.

Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center is committed to supporting those chess programs that exist already in area schools while encouraging the event of latest in-school and after-school programs. Please visit www.USChessChamps.com.

For additional info, contact:
Mike Wilmering
314-361-CHESS (2437)
mwilmering@saintlouischessclub.org

SOURCE The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis

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http://www.uschesschamps.com