U.S. Junior Chess Championship: Robson in sole lead after 7 rounds

IM Sam Shankland

Hello Everyone!

The talented defending champion at the U.S. Junior Championship, Ray Robson, is now in sole lead after seven rounds. Despite a slow start he has bounced back to be a full point ahead of the rest of the field. Robson had caught up with tournament leader Parker Zhao in the sixth round. He beat Zhao in the seventh round to take a clear lead.

Meanwhile, Conrad Holt continued with his good show by also beating Warren Harper. He had scored an upset win over tournament leader Parker Zhao in the previous round also.

Results of Round 7

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1. NM Parker Zhao-GM Ray Robson 0-1

2. FM Warren Harper-FM Conrad Holt 0-1

3. FM John Bryant-FM Steven Zierk 1-0

4. IM Sam Shankland-NM Eric Rosen 1-0

5. NM Tyler Hughes-FM Darwin Yang 0-1

Standings after Round 7

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1. GM Ray Robson 5.5

2. IM Sam Shankland 4.5

3. FM Darwin Yang 4.5

4. NM Parker Zhao 4.5

5. FM John Bryant 3.0

6. FM Steven Zierk 3.0

7. FM Conrad Holt 3.0

8. FM Warren Harper 3.0

9. NM Eric Rosen 3.0

10. NM Tyler Hughes 1.0

The game of the day was surely between the joint leaders of the tournament - Parker Zhao and defending champion Ray Robson. Check out Robson's King's Indian in the pgnplayer or watch in flash below. Check the official website for videos, photos and reports.

PGN: 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. e4 d6 4. d4 Bg7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. Ne1 Ne8 10. Be3 f5 11. f3 f4 12. Bf2 g5 13. c5 Ng6 14. Rc1 Nf6 15. cxd6 cxd6 16. Nb5 g4 17. g3 h5 18. Ng2 h4 19. Nc7 hxg3 20. hxg3 fxg3 21. Be3 Nf4 22. Bxf4 exf4 23. Nxa8 Nh7 24. fxg4 Ng5 25. Nxf4 Rxf4 26. Kg2 Rxe4 27. Bf3 Re3 28. Rc4 Bd7 29. Nc7 b5 30. Rc1 Qf6 31. Ne6 Nxf3 32. Nxg7 Nh4+ 33. Kg1 Qxg7 34. Rc3 Rxc3 35. bxc3 Qxc3 0-1

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com