Caruana beats Firouzja in Armageddon, wins Champions Showdown

Fabiano Caruana scored three wins in a row on Friday to catch Alireza Firouzja in the lead of the Champions Showdown event in Saint Louis. The American star then defeated his young opponent in play-offs, choosing white in the Armageddon decider and converting a better knight endgame into a win with little time on the clock. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared third place after finishing a half point behind the winners. | Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club / Lennart Ootes