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Live today U.S. Championship Round 10 · 1:00 p.m. ET, Saint Louis So 6½ · Caruana 5½
U.S. Championship · After Round 9 of 11

So survives the Caruana showdown, keeps a full-point lead with two rounds to go

Wesley So needed only a draw against Fabiano Caruana in Monday's ninth round, and he got it, even after sinking into a 20-minute think on move six. So now sits on 6½/9 with Caruana alone in second on 5½. Caruana came to Saint Louis chasing a fifth straight title, which would tie Samuel Reshevsky's record.

In the Women's Championship, rookie WIM Rachael Li took the sole lead by a full point after a late endgame win over Nazi Paikidze, earning her first IM norm along the way. Irina Krush and Alice Lee are tied on six.

Round 10 is today at 1:00 p.m. ET; the final round is Wednesday. Reports: Chess.com · ChessBase

Sindarov stays world No. 4 heading into his title match The Candidates winner held off teammate Abdusattorov on the October list. US Masters in Charlotte, Nov. 25–29 A US Chess national championship with norm chances and a $25,000+ guaranteed fund.

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