Joel Benjamin wins US Sr Champ by defeating Shelby Getz

Hi All,

I analyzed the game between FM Shelby Getz and GM Joel Benjamin from the US Senior Championship. I have added timestamps as suggested by a viewer. Thanks again!

In the last round of the US Senior Championship organized by Saint Louis Chess Club, GM Joel Benjamin needed a draw against FM Shelby Getz to secure the title and the USD 12,000 prize for first place.

In the game, that starts off with 1.a3! (0:13) we see opposite side castling 8. 0-0-0 (1:49) and a great attack.
Black misses a clear tactical shot to seal the deal when he plays 15...Bg7? (7:37) but remains in control. The black Queen penetrates the white defense, and launches a winning attack with 23...Qa2, (10:38) 26...Qb6 (12:27) is a unique mate in 1 threat, and on move 27 (13:02) we see the clear KO move that drives the win home.

Shelby Getz is a good sport, as he allows Joel Benjamin to put mate on the board 32...Qxd1 (14:00)

What I personally love is that Shelby Getz refuses a draw offer made to him after blacks move 14...Qc7. (6:51 )
Imagine, you are an FM, the tournament leader, a GM rated 200 points above you offers you a draw whilst you have a clearly worse position. The half point would at least secure that you are not solely last. Yet you decline and continue to play. Kudos to Shelby Getz, the new American hero!

Joel Benjamin becomes the first player to win the US Junior Championship, US Championship and US Senior Championship

Below the video analyses

https://youtu.be/Co87zZP5KAI

nice! this seams like something u can put in a blog

not a bad idea.