IM Sam Shankland

Bio: Sam Shankland, 18, is the top rated player Under age 21 who was not already invited to play in the U.S. Championship. He won a gold medal for the USA at the 2008 World Youth Championship in Vietnam and is just one performance norm away from his Grandmaster title. The incoming Brandeis University freshman called the U.S. Championship "his dream tournament for the year" and his wildcard invitation spotlights yet another promising young player. Shankland's chess prowess catapulted in just over a year to earn him the title of International Master. Sam also qualified to play in the 2009 U.S. Championship after winning the final match of the Tournament of State Champions.