Mizzou’s Strong Start: A Promising Season Ahead in Collegiate Chess League
Mizzou Chess Team Dominates Season Opener with New Star Player
Columbia, MO — The University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) has kicked off the 2026 Collegiate Chess League season with a bang, showcasing their championship potential in a commanding 14-2 victory over the University of Virginia (UVA). After a disappointing season last year, Mizzou is back on track, bolstered by the addition of International Master Amilal Munkhdalai, who joined the team from Mongolia this winter.
In their opening match, Mizzou’s seasoned lineup, featuring Grandmasters Aryan Tari, Isik Can, and Luka Budisavljevic, left no room for error. The team dominated from the outset, with Tari and Budisavljevic both achieving flawless 4-0 scores. Tari’s strategic prowess was on full display as he faced off against UVA’s Joseph Levine, employing a sharp French Defense that kept his opponent under constant pressure.
Budisavljevic, known for his bold tactics, also delivered a standout performance, taking calculated risks to secure victory against UVA’s top board, FM Jason Morefield. Despite the overwhelming odds, UVA managed to snag two points, thanks to strong performances from NM Owen McCoy and NM Alex Shrauger, though both victories came with a stroke of luck.
Munkhdalai, despite missing a chance for a perfect score, expressed his enthusiasm for his new environment. “I’m loving every bit of everything at this university,” he said in a post-match interview. The freshman Economics major admitted to feeling a bit nervous at the start but quickly found his rhythm, finishing with a solid 3/4.
As Mizzou looks to reclaim its championship form, the team is poised for a promising season ahead. The Collegiate Chess League, the premier online chess competition for college students, has set the stage for intense rivalries and thrilling matches. With Mizzou and St. Louis University both off to strong starts, the competition is heating up as the season progresses.
Fans can catch the action from the Mizzou-UVA match, hosted by chess commentator Joe Lee, and witness firsthand the excitement of collegiate chess. As the league continues, all eyes will be on Mizzou to see if they can maintain their momentum and challenge for the title once again.