Akopian and Belakovskaia win US senior titles

Vladimir Akopian won his second US Senior Championship in three years after defeating Alexander Onischuk in a playoff, while Anjelina Belakovskaia claimed the US Senior Women’s title with an unbeaten 7/8 score. Both events were held at the Saint Louis Chess Club, where Akopian prevailed 3–1 in rapid and blitz games after sharing first place, and Belakovskaia finished a full point ahead of defending champion Natalya Tsodikova. | Photo: Crystal Fuller / Saint Louis Chess Club