Rachael Li Wins U.S. Women’s Title; So and Caruana Head to Playoff

Rachael Li won the 2026 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship in St. Louis after drawing Anna Zatonskih in the final round. The 16-year-old became the youngest first-time entrant to win the event and also earned her first IM norm. In the open championship, Wesley So lost to Sam Sevian while Fabiano Caruana beat Awonder Liang, forcing a playoff between So and Caruana. Source: Chess.com’s October 21 report.