Sam Shankland Is US Junior Champion

The US Junior Championship ended in a three-way tie between Ray Robson, Parker Zhao and Sam Shankland on a score of 6/9.

Ray Robson had the best score on mathematical tie-breaks, so Parker Zhao and Sam Shankland faced off first in a rapid sudden death game, with the winner to take on Robson.

In a thrilling game, Shankland sacrificed a piece against Zhao for a strong attack which netted the queen and the game.

In the final game it was Robson with the white pieces needing to win to take the title, but solid defence from Shankland limited Robson's chances, and running short of time he blundered to lose the game.

So despite losing his first two games in the championship, Sam Shankland powered to the US Junior Championship title! Congratulations!

Before the event, Shankland had announced his retirement from chess, but perhaps his success in St. Louis will change his mind...