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The highest of the scoreboard has narrowed to simply two groups, Webster and Saint Louis, in week three of the 2024 Collegiate Chess League (CCL).
GM Benjamin Bok turned in his second 4/4 rating of the season to steer Saint Louis College to a different victory. In the meantime, Webster’s GM Harsha Bharathakoti scored 4/4 vs. a lineup of 4 fellow grandmasters.
The CCL will proceed on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET/20:00 CET/0:30 a.m. IST.
Collegiate Chess League – Week 3 Standings
Reigning Champions Unstoppable: Saint Louis 11.5-4.5 Athens
Getting into the match, Saint Louis was the favourite with three grandmasters in comparison with only one for Athens. Their convincing total consequence was supported by each board scoring not less than 50 %, an ideal 4-0 from Bok, and a virtually excellent 3.5 rating from GM Nikolas Theodorou.
In spherical one, Theodorou smashed by means of FM Vasilios Kasioumis‘ defenses to steer Saint Louis to a 3.5-0.5 begin.
Saint Louis’ not-so-secret weapon, Bok, racked up one win after one other. Commentator WFM Anna Cramling shared her perspective on the match MVP:
Benjamin Bok makes chess look straightforward. It appears like each time we watch him play, he simply performs quick, performs a number of the finest strikes, comes up with very comprehensible plans… I feel that’s actually enjoyable to see.
Benjamin Bok makes chess look straightforward.
-Anna Cramling
He closed out spherical two with a startling attacking shot. The protection of his opponent’s h7-pawn seems to be an phantasm.
No mercy from @GMBenjaminBok!#CCL pic.twitter.com/JQlBsvNyAi
— CollegiateChessLeague (@CollegiateChess) February 10, 2024
In spherical three, Saint Louis reached 9 factors, sealing the match victory with a spherical to spare. Regardless of being underdogs, Athens put up a battle, gaining a couple of important victories. Their third board, FM Petros Rahmanidis, completed 2-0 with attacking wins vs. Nicholas Ladan and GM Dambasuren Batsuren.
Because the reigning CCL champions sealed a 3rd match win in a row, two extra Missouri heavyweights ready to face off.
Combat to Keep Good: Webster 9-7 Missouri
Getting into the match, each Webster and Missouri have been tied on the high of the scoreboard with victories of their first two matches. Additional including to the rivalry between the groups, this matchup was a GM-fest with each side fielding grandmasters on each single board.
The match started with a 2-2 draw. But, Harsha achieved a key strike by serving GM Mikhail Antipov his first lack of the season.
In spherical two, Missouri seized the lead largely attributable to an upset victory by their board 4, GM Luka Budisavljevic, vs. Webster’s board two, GM Yasser Perez. When Perez supplied a bishop sacrifice to ignite attacking possibilities, Budisavljevic ignored the hanging piece to drum up counterplay. This thrilling victory is our Recreation of the Day with evaluation by GM Rafael Leitao coming quickly.
“If he goes Rh1, I’ll give him a standing ovation!” –@AnnaCramling #CCL pic.twitter.com/c8QLEU382R
— CollegiateChessLeague (@CollegiateChess) February 10, 2024
In an all-decisive spherical three, Webster took over the lead with three victories. GM Gergely Kantor scored his win with a picturesque tactical end. Can you discover it?
White to maneuver and win.
Shockingly, this very shut all-GM matchup was determined by a blunder within the closing moments. In a must-win place with an additional pawn, Budisavljevic dropped his rook, lacking the prospect to push the shut match into time beyond regulation.
When requested what the important thing was to his 4/4 efficiency towards a slew of fellow GMs, Harsha shared: “A very good relaxation, that’s the factor.”
A very good relaxation, that’s the factor.
-Harsha Bharathakoti
The Collegiate Chess League is the premier on-line chess competitors for faculty college students. The 2024 CCL Spring Season is a workforce occasion beginning January 20 at 2 p.m. ET/20:00 CET/0:30 a.m. IST and that includes a $25,000 prize fund.
Earlier stories:
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