Wesley So keeps rolling in the 2026 U.S. Championship. He beat Andy Woodward in round eight, grinding out another pawn endgame victory. That's four wins already, all in different endgame types. So sits at six points and holds the lead alone.
The women's section stayed quiet. No movement at the top. The frontrunners maintained their positions, which means the race remains wide open heading into the second half.
So's endgame mastery is the story here. He's not just winning. He's winning the same way repeatedly, converting technical positions where most players would accept draws. Woodward is one of his closest challengers, and So dismissed him without drama. That kind of consistency separates champions from the rest of the field.
The men's race belongs to So right now. Everyone else chases.