The Sinquefield Cup, annually the strongest invitational tournament in the U.S., got off to a less than stellar start at the Chess Club of St. Louis, with just two decisive games two through Sunday's Round 5 and Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda pulling out of the 10-grandmaster field after Round 1, citing ill health.
In a healthy sign for American chess, two of the strongest fields ever are battling it out as the 2023 U.S. Championship and U.S. Women's Championship kicked off at their now-traditional home at the Chess Club of St. Louis last week.
There's still half a year to go, but IM Anna Zatonskih's victory in the 3rd annual Cairns Cup earlier this month looks certain to rank among the most unexpected results of 2023.