XYChess Round Reports
The Future Malta Kings defeated the Underdogs but had to deal with a surprise defeat on Board 1 where Seychelles International WCM Dericka Figaro outplayed Jack Mizzi.
Round 1:
The XYChess Team league got off to a flying start today! With a great turnout and an ideal venue (thanks to the Birkirkara local council). All matches were well fought and entertaining. The first match saw the Future Malta Kings defeating the Underdogs 2-1 despite the loss they suffered on board 1 where Dericka Figaro converted nicely in a same coloured bishop endgame. Match 2 was one of ups and downs - the Bishop brigade, seemingly on their way to a 3-0 victory slipped up and eventually went down 2-1 to the hard fighting Queens captained by Nina Thornton. Blunder busters were held on the first board where John Richards kept yours truly (Clarence Psaila ) at bay and secured a draw - however they won the other games securing at 2.5-0.5 victory also thanks to a very long and well played endgame by Cosmin Alexa. Match 4 was hard fought.... Fischer-men won on the first two boards on their way to victory over the Chess Four despite some heroic efforts by Marcel Camilleri who won from a totally losing position. Finally, the strength of the Check Mates was immediately evident when they produced a perfect score of 3-0 against Time Troubles... the highest rated team in the league now take first place from round one.... will anyone stop them? All results can be found on: http://chess-results.com/tnr473602.aspx?lan=1&art=3&rd=1
The Underdogs Captain Martin Calleja Urry bridged the 864 ELO gap between himself and his opponent, highest rated player of the XYChess Team League - Josef Lauri. Just as it seemed he would come away with another surprise board 1 victory for the Underdogs, Josef’s experience gradually came into play and he was able to turn the position around securing victory.
Round 2:
Today was a day of big wins, with none of the losing sides able to score a victory on any board. Captain Underdog Martin Calleja Urry was definitely the closest - having an exchange up without obvious compensation one board one against the Time Troubles, however Josef Lauri 's experience finally prevailed and the underdogs went down fighting 3-0. The Queens punished the punishers 3-0 and so far have won every game they have played on the board (dropping points only due to the unfortunate walk over they conceded in the first round). Captain Nina Thornton is not only winning but also providing us with some exquisite pictures :) Another 3-0 victory was scored by the Future Malta Kings who dominated the match against the Bishop Brigade which could not field their stronger players. Not all teams scored flawless victories.... Blunder busters won safely by a 2.5-0.5 margin, however Clarence Psaila was held to a draw by a resilient Bora Stefanovic who played the double bishop endgame very well. Check Mates board 1 Dusan Djokic was also held to a draw in a bishop endgame by unrated (as yet) Mike Sapiecha who is making a welcome return to the local chess scene... apart from that, Alberto Farah and Salvatore Abbruscato made light work of their lower rated opponents and the favourites maintain their top spot in the league having 5.5 of the 6 possible board points , as well as 6 match points. Next week there will only be one round, on Sunday the 13th October at 4pm. Many interesting matches to come!
Chess can cause some agony - particularly when your opponent sacrifices a Knight on f7 and you realise you can’t take it.
Round 3
As the Sunday hours ticked away and afternoon gave way to evening....it became clear. We have new leaders at the top .... new pretenders to the throne who have taken the lead through their powerful displays. They have the most fitting team names to be crowned champions...they are none other than the Queens followed in hot pursuit by the Future Malta Kings. The Queens continued their perfect start with another 3-0 wipe out of the Fischer-men, maintaining a 100% record of games which they played, including a debut win by Jamie Farrugia. Nonetheless, the Future Malta Kings proved to be serious aspirants too, brushing the Punishers aside 2.5 - 0.5 where only the resilient John Richards was able to withstand his higher rated opponent. The much awaited heavyweight encounter between the Check Mates and the Blunder Busters ended all square for the first team draw of the tournament. Blunder Busters surprised their opponents resting Clarence Psaila meaning that each player moved up a board. The strategy worked out nicely for Joseph Baldacchino who won his 3rd consecutive game. Duncan Vella and Cosmin Alexa played out an exciting high level encounter which ended in a draw on the first board, and Onur Can Pala levelled the match on the 3rd board. John Baker finally got a game and did very well, winning convincingly with some aggressive and well timed King side play, nevertheless it was not enough for the Bishops Brigade as the Underdogs secured wins on the second and third boards through their own debutante Vahid Masmaliyev and Ocean Tengis Psaila. Finally Time Troubles inspired by a scintillating display of strength by Josef Lauri who gave his opponent no chance, secured victory over the Chess Four 2-1. The usual Mike Sapiecha salvaging a point for his team. Will there be any changes at the top next round? Or will the leader maintain their powerful start?