Mishra Makes Magnificent US Championship Debut
Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Chess Club, Lennart Ootes
The following is based on a report by Dave Lazarus of the Westfield Chess Club
NJ born-and-raised GM Abhimanyu Mishra has been making headlines all over the chess world over the last few years. As a young(er) player, Abhi frequented many NJ chess hotspots like Kings and Queens Chess Academy and the Westfield Chess Club.
After becoming the youngest GM in history at the tender age of 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days back in 2021, he has continued to rack up the rating points with several strong results in international tournament. With a clear first-place finish in the US Junior Championship back in July, Mishra secured a spot in the US Championships that occurred over the last few weeks.
He came into the event as the second-lowest rated player in the field. He proceeded to start the event off in dominant form; after three games, he was in sole first place with 2.5 points. His strong performance continued throughout the event, cluminating in a final score of 6.5/11 with a tournament-topping five wins. Only tournament winner and former world championship competitor GM Fabiano Caruana ended the tournament with more points. He tied with US Championship mainstays GM Wesley So and GM Leinier Dominquez for second place in his first US Championship appearance.
In addition to making an impressive debut in one of the US’s most elite chess competitions, GM Mishra blew past the 2600 FIDE mark by conquering several 2700+ players throughout the tournament. We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next!