In the first result of the final round, GM Julio Becerra and GM Melikset Khachiyan have drawn. Hess and Akobian have slowed their game dramatically after shedding most for their major pieces, though the consensus is they are headed for a draw.

Alexander Shabalov has also defeated Joel Benjamin in the early hours of the round, and Boris Gulko has defeated Sam Shankland.

With the last round well under way and these results in, club founder Rex Sinquefield is sitting in the media room enjoying the competition. He has remained neutral throughout the tournament not picking favorites, but just said he doesn’t want to see a play off at the end. His desire to see the winner named based on classical chess and not quick chess is strong.

Nakamura poised to win, has just confirmed his victory of at least a tie for first, as Friedel resigns the final game of the round. Hess and Akobian are still looking very drawish, so unless tides turn, Nakamura looks like the newest U.S. Champion.

He's just come down to analyze his game.