In the U.S. Senior Championship, three players had a chance for second place: GMs Jesse Kraai, Joel Benjamin, and Larry Christiansen. Both Benjamin and Christiansen drew their games, while Kraai continued an impressive streak — winning his fourth game in a row, this time against GM Julio Becerra  — to take home the $13,000 second prize.

It was a remarkable comeback for Kraai, who entered the event as the lowest-rated player in the tournament. After losing in the first round, he scored 6/8 and finished a full point ahead of Benjamin and Christiansen.

https://new.uschess.org/sites/default/files/styles/1080px_wide_scale/public/media/images/2024_junior_girls_senior_r9_kraai_crystal_fuller.jpg.webp?itok=rMqhoj-O

https://new.uschess.org/news/lee-and-yoo-win-junior-championships-kraai-clear-second-senior