Editor's note: This story first appeared in the February 2024 issue of Chess Life Magazine. Consider becoming a US Chess member for more content like this access to digital editions of both Chess Life and Chess Life Kids is a member benefit, and you can receive print editions of both magazines for a small add-on fee.
For the first time in a long time, the 2024 Pan-American Intercollegiate Championships saw a first-time champion take top honors. After six rounds from January 4 through 7 in McAllen, Texas, University of Missouri-A won with a dazzling 5½/6 score ahead of University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)-A, which finished clear second on 5/6.
Top-seeded Americans GM Hans Niemann and IM Carissa Yip were both playing with a chance for first in the final round of the 2023 FIDE World Junior Championships in Mexico City, but their paths could not have been more different. After storming to a 6½/7 start in the Girls section, Yip found herself playing catchup after losing her ninth round game against 13-year-old Chinese WIM Miaoyi Lu.
The 2023 FIDE Junior Chess Championships are officially past the halfway point, with six rounds played and five more to follow. IM Carissa Yip leads the Girls Under-20 section with a 5½/6 score.
The 2023 FIDE World Junior Chess Championship (Open U20 & Girls U20) begins today in Mexico City, Mexico. The tournament is organized by the Mexican Chess Federation in collaboration with CONADE (National Sports Commission), COM (Mexican Olympic Committee) and Culture Ministry.