GM Alexander Stripunsky

Bio: Alexander Stripunsky, 39, missed out on qualifying by rating for the 2010 U.S. Championship by a single rating point. In a similar fashion, his hopes were dashed in 2009, missing out by just one spot. It seemed his fate was cursed until he received, and accepted, a wildcard invitation to play in 2010. Since that time, Stripunsky has been on a tear, picking up more than 60 rating points, starting with an excellent performance in Saint Louis at the 2010 U.S. Championship.

Stripunsky has an excellent record in U.S. Championships, having competed in five. In 2006 he had a strong run, tying for 3rd place. He gained respect as one of America’s elite Grandmasters in the 2005 U.S. Championship, where he won a beautiful last round game against Alexander Goldin, tying for first. His fabulous tournament came to an end when he lost to Hikaru Nakamura in the playoff match.

Stripunsky is disciplined when it comes to his chess career; he runs regularly and works hard at the board. He also appreciates the aesthetic power of chess, “The more you play, the more beauty you are able to see.”

A mainstay in American chess, Stripunsky will compete in his sixth U.S. Championship this year.