XYChess Round Reports

Round 7:

Today's top of the table clash between Blunder Busters and the Queens reminded me of the football world cup final between Brazil and Italy in 1994... (OK, I'm getting old). Just as in that encounter, the sides cancelled each other out (or to be more direct - nothing happened) until late in the match. Clarence Psaila and Oana drew a tense battle which will probably not go down in history for it's brilliance or entertainment value, whereas Joseph Baldacchino saw his potential initiative thwarted by his worse (horrendous) pawn structure and drew with Jamie Farrugia. The match was only decided by a late endgame win courtesy of Cosmin Alexa over Queens Captain Nina Thornton who had him scratching his head for much of the late middlegame. Nevertheless, this was not a final by any means, as the league has still two rounds to offer and the Future Malta Kings kept up the chase for the coveted first place as they scored a resounding 3-0 victory over the Chess Four with Adam Buckle back to his winning ways and Matthias Gatt keeping his impressive 100% record. This set up FMK nicely for next week's mega clash with the Blunder Busters. Meanwhile the Check mates took full advantage of the Queens loss and replace them in the second place of the table. Onur Can Pala maintained his 100% rivalry with Matthias Gatt cutting his way through the Punishers defences and scoring his 5th consecutive win. Yet, the Punishers promptly stung back when Kevin Attard Compagno held his higher rated opponent to a draw and was arguably even better albeit short on time. However this proved to be short lived as Dusan Djokic capitalised on a mistake in a difficult position to settle the score at 2.5-0.5 . Time Troubles won 2-1 as they faced Bishop Brigade's lone soldier Steve Mizzi who produced a quality performance gaining a much needed win on board 2. The Bishops Brigade should be back to full force next weekend and they are determined to finish the league with some points. Finally, the Underdogs went down 3-0 to the Fischer-men who consolidate a very decent league position nestled right behind the teams fighting for first place. Remarkable was the match on Board 1 between Bora Stefanovic and Martin Calleja Urry. Words are not the most adequate medium to describe what happened in that game (I would use a loud scream!), but it was a turbulent roller coaster ride...full of suspense, drama, and nail biting excitement which kept Ronald Sammut off his seat along with all those who had the strength to watch. It all started with Bora giving away a comfortable lead (and a Rook!!), only to eventually (the eventually part could be the subject of a book) succeed in winning with a Rook, pawn and active King putting pressure on Martin's lone Queen till he broke in time trouble despite a highly spirited fight. Not for the faint of heart. Next weekend sees the last two rounds of a wonderful and inspiring League. I'm sure they will be wonderful and memorable.

Round 8:

Today's round recap starts at the bottom of the table where the Chess Four and the Bishop's Brigade faced off in an epic encounter. A quest to seal their first victory and obtain their first points. Steve Mizzi overpowered his opponent on board one and the Bishop's Brigade snatched the lead....but the Chess Four had other things in mind and made their intentions clear as Marcel Camilleri check mated his young opponent. The battle then hinged on the result of board 2, where Chess Four talisman Mike Sapiecha continued doing what he always does... gaining points as he decided the encounter in his team's favour.

The Mid table encounters were also captivating, and the Punishers won a crucial match led by their Captain John Richards and aided by a forfeit on the 3rd board, as board 2 ended in an exciting draw.

The Punishers now reach the Fischer-men who went down bravely against the Check Mates, even though Bora Stefanovic won in yet another tense struggle and is currently the Best Board 1 player. Check Mates proved too strong winning convincingly on boards 2 and 3, for a final result of 2-1.

However, the Check Mates remain in second place as the Blunder Busters scored a crucial win today against the young and talented Future Malta Kings. Uranchimeg Alexsandr chose the most appropriate moment to get off the mark as she held higher rated Matthias Gatt to a draw on the 3rd board. With Cosmin Alexa winning his game, Clarence Psaila offered a draw in a somewhat unclear position which was accepted. 2-1 Blunder Busters which takes them to 22 League points.

The Queens on the other hand, are back to winning ways and climb to 3rd place as the overcame the underdogs despite the clash between captains Nina Thornton and Martin Calleja Urry ending in a hard fought draw.

All Teams and players are ready the final round tomorrow, as team and board positions will be determined!

For the full league table and round results, as usual:

https://chess-results.com/tnr473602.aspx?lan=1&art=46

Round 9:

Today... an epic season of the XYChess league came to a close, and just as in every round, there was drama. Much of the suspense came from the eagerly anticipated royal clash. The Queens with white on board one and three against the Future Malta Kings - not quite the ascendance to the throne they had hoped for but a very respectable fight for 3rd place.

The match started with Captains Nina Thornton and Matthias Gatt drawing a rook endgame. But then... he came, he played, he conquered.... King Buckle vanquished his challenger to notch up an impressive personal tally of 6/7. A pivotal performance for his team but also one which will enshrine his name in eternal glory of XYChess League records - he was deservedly awarded Best board 3 player, a feat which seemed most unlikely at the beginning of the tournament judging solely by rating.

Back to the Queens vs FMK Match - eyes fell onto the final game, where Oana Caruana Pulpan tried hard to win and restore a match draw which would have seen her team retain 3rd place. Alas the match pressure took it's toll and Jack Mizzi capitalised sealing an important FMK win and 3rd place.

These were not the only teams jostling for positions. The Punishers ensured a positive finish to their league campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over the Chess Four. All games were tense, balanced battles but with their typical great fighting spirit John Richards , Kevin Attard Compagno and David Gauci overcame adversity ensuring a positive balance of 5 match wins and 4 losses.

Was it enough to clinch 5th place? Well....no.... because the Fischer-men turned up in full force for the first time and their determination and quality proved enough to overcome the staunch resistance set by the Time Troubles. Time Troubles Captain Mario Psaila was victorious, temporarily equalising the match in an encounter which was a true test of his endurance. Matthew Grech had previously given the FIscher-men the lead... but the match, and probably the team is epitomised by their proud prize winner.... XYChess League Best on Board 1 - Bora Stefanovic who turned around a difficult position from an adverse opening, and went on to win scoring his total of 6.5/9 points and taking a much deserved medal. Fischer-men also at 15 points ended 5th having better board points.

Moving away from mid table , today there were two titans vs minnows clashes, which at the end decided the league, because the distance between Blunder Busters (1st) and the Check Mates (2nd) is only 2 points meaning that anything could happen up until the very last day.

Nevertheless, both The Check Mates and Blunder Busters won their matches with confidence - the only upset being a snatched win by Underdogs top performer Vahid Masmaliyev against the up to then holder of a 100% record Onur Can Pala. Apart from the first place Blunder Busters were also honoured to have Board 2 top gun Joseph Baldacchino among their ranks - his 6.5/7 certainly a driving force for overall victory, especially the crucial match saving win against the Check Mates in round 3.

A warm thanks goes out to all the wonderful captains who united their teams creating an unforgettable spirit. To our supreme arbiter Ron Sammut, and to Birkirkara Local council John Mizzi whose tireless efforts doubtlessly were key factors in the tournament's success.

For all results, standings and and statistics:

https://chess-results.com/tnr473602.aspx?lan=1