Going into the final round of the 2026 US Women’s Championship in St Louis, Rachael Li was the sole leader with 8 points from 10 games, one point ahead of Alice Lee. Li therefore needed only a draw against Anna Zatonskih in the final round to win the tournament. Li secured both the draw and the title, becoming US Women's Champion at just 16 years of age. She also collected $45,000 in prize money, qualified for the next Women's World Cup and earned her first IM norm. | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Saint Louis Chess Club