Round 1 of the National Open has begun. 2024 US Senior Champion Vladimir Akopian aims for another National title as he defeats 2024 US Girls Champion qualifier WIM Omya Vidyarthi. The 2024 US National Championships took place last July at the Saint Louis Chess Club. Omya opens with Nf3, and Akopian was Reti for it. Maintaining the queenside and center until a well executed exchange sacrifice allowed him to take initiative on the kingside and eventually gaining the exchange back and material advantage. The resulting Queen endgame was a matter of execution, making it look effortless in true GM fashion.
