Wesley So is running away with the 2026 U.S. Championship. The Filipino-American grandmaster stayed unbeaten through seven rounds after a gutsy comeback win against Ray Robson, improving to 5/7 and claiming sole leadership. So was worse for most of the game before finding the resources to convert his advantage late.
Robson had shown promise against So, but couldn't capitalize on his edge. This loss drops him further behind So's pace. The championship is shaping up as So's to lose at this point. His ability to grind out wins from difficult positions, like against Robson, is exactly the kind of resilience that wins tournaments.
In the women's section, the race tightens. Carissa Li and Katherine Lee share the lead after their respective outings in round seven. Both players are keeping pace with what looks like a two-player championship so far. The women's tournament lacks the runaway leader that So has become in the open section.
So's unbeaten status through the midpoint of the championship is exceptional. Most players suffer at least one loss by round seven. His combination of solid openings, technical endgame play, and tournament experience is clicking. If So maintains this form, Robson and the rest of the field will need a near-perfect finish just to have a chance.