Aronian wins 2024 American Cup without losing a single game

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian who currently represents the United States won his maiden title at the 2024 American Cup on Wednesday, March 20, Chess.com reports.

Continuing to play in the tournament what he calls "adventurous chess," he defeated GM Wesley So only in the final rapid game—and with the black pieces.

Of 19 games in the tournament, the former world number-two (and currently number-20) hadn't lost a single one. He conquered the challenging format—playing all the time controls of classical, rapid, and blitz—and claimed the $90,000 first prize and a $15,000 bonus for winning the Champions Bracket.

He also received a luxury Mongolian chess set, one which WGM Anastasiya Karlovich said he was already admiring at the opening ceremony, and a Tiffany bracelet.

The Women's tournament continues on Thursday, as IM Alice Lee extinguished one of GM Irina Krush's two lives. The 14-year-old won the classical game to clinch the first match with a game to spare.