SAINT LOUIS, MO — Grandmaster Wesley So took the sole lead at the 2025 U.S. Chess Championship after defeating Grandmaster Sam Shankland in Round 3. The result marks So’s second consecutive victory and moves him to a score of 2.5/3, securing a half-point lead over the field.
Playing with the White pieces, So navigated a complex game that lasted 38 moves. The analysis of the game revealed a high level of precision from the winner, who achieved an engine accuracy of 94.7%, compared to Shankland’s 86.7%.
The decisive moment came with the tactical shot 28. Nxd4. In the post-game analysis, interviewer Anastasiya Karlovich said, “In my mind, Knight takes d4 was a beautiful move,” which coincided with the engine’s assessment of it as a “brilliant” move. So confirmed the significance of the move, though he admitted he was caught off guard with Nc3 in response, as he had anticipated a resignation.
“That’s why my time in the university was very useful because there were lots of GMs there and I think I am a kind of player who is very good at copying people’s style,” So commented.
The win puts Wesley So on a score of 2.5/3, giving him a precious half-point lead over the field of rivals, which includes co-leaders from the previous round, Fabiano Caruana and Levon Aronian. This victory continues So’s strong run of form in Saint Louis, following a solid performance in Round 2.
With nine rounds still to play, the U.S. Championship is far from decided, but So’s early dominance sends a clear message to the field. He will look to consolidate his lead in the coming rounds before the rest day, while his rivals will be eager to close the gap. The 2025 U.S. Chess Championship continues tomorrow at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
