Akobian defeats Shulman in CA: Who will win US Championship?

Original Article

"GM Varuzhan Akobian dominated in his match against GM Yury Shulman, winning the rapids 3.5-2.5, and the blitz 6-2. The match was held at the Robinson Racheria resort in Northern California, a few hours from San Francisco. "I've never been on a farm before but I really liked it." said the winner, Akobian. The Californian didn't get to milk any cows, but he did enjoy driving a quad. The match featured a $10,000 prize fund--Organizer Thomas Southerland gives the full story."

Both GM Akobian and GM Shulman will be competing at the 2009 US Chess Championship at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis next week from May 7-17...will Akobian pull it off again? 

How often are these $10,000 games???

Does only 1st place get money?

I'm thinking "Happy Gilmore" meets chess...

Except I don't play hockey.