GrandmasterAleksandr Lendermanhas a seat saved for himin the 2021 US ChessChampionship in St. Louis.

The BrooklynGMearned the coveted spot by winning the first-ever US Championship Online Qualifier, a month-long series ofprogressingeventsdesigned to offer a path to the national championship. As one of the U.S.federations highest-rated players, Lenderman wasa pre-selected participant to jointhe online qualifiers final8-playerround-robintournamentthat began Dec. 11.

Lendermancame up clutch throughtwo back-to-back,must-win games, the first over GM TimurGareyevin theseventh and final round on Fridaywhichallowed him to catch the pace of tournament leader IM ChristopherYooat the finish line.Lenderman andYootied for first place and split the top cashprizes, butplayed a final Armageddon game on Saturday to determine the seat in next yearsnational championship.

In that game,Yoowonapre-game bidding processof7 minutes and 30 seconds on his clockto command the black pieces with draw odds.That gaveLendermana full 10 minutes with the white pieces, and his secondmust-win situation in a row.

He employed a Trompowsky attack that saw quick development and left Yoos pawn structure in early tatters. Yoo appeared to have a mouse slip at 25. .. Rf8, leaving his rook open for the exchange, though the position was already looking dire and the youngster seemed to take the hiccup in stride. Lendermans endgame technique with his king and rook was national-championship level worthy.

Lenderman passedChess.comsfair-play review of the Armageddon game and has been formally invited to the 2021 US Chess Championship in St. Louis.

The first-ever online qualifier began in November as anopen Swiss event for the nations U1600 players and has progressed each weekend through a series of increasingly stronger events.Yooentered in the 2400+ Swiss qualifier and then advanced through a 23-player final Swiss, then a final knockout bracket, and ultimately the final round-robin tournament.

The reigning US Chess Cadet Champion, who played Armageddon on his 14thbirthday, was the only non-GM in the 8-player field.

Originally posted here:

Lenderman Wins Playoff, Will Appear in 2021 National Championship - uschess.org