“SLU Holds On: Saint Louis University Defeats University of Missouri-Columbia 8.5-7.5 in CCL Spring 2025 Week 6”
In a thrilling showdown in week six of the Collegiate Chess League Spring 2025 (CCL), the last two undefeated teams, Saint Louis University (SLU) and University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou), clashed in a rematch of last season’s championship round. The stakes were high as both teams were vying for the top spot in the standings.
Last season, Mizzou emerged victorious in a close match against SLU in the championship round. This season, the two teams were once again the top contenders, with both boasting undefeated records leading up to their showdown. SLU’s all-grandmaster lineup, including Aryan Chopra, Viktor Gazik, Robby Kevlishvili, and Batsuren Dambasuren, faced off against Missouri’s all-GM lineup, featuring Aryan Tari, Mikhail Antipov, Luka Budisavljevic, and Isik Can.
The Mizzou team, led by Tari and Antipov, put up a strong fight, but SLU managed to hold Tari to an even score and limited Antipov to 2.5/4. Gazik played a pivotal role for SLU, delivering a perfect score and securing a crucial victory against Antipov in a spectacular game.
SLU got off to a strong start, winning the opening round 3-1 and extending their lead to 5.5-2.5 after two rounds. However, Mizzou fought back, with Budisavljevic leading the charge and securing victories in the final two rounds, including a standout performance in the final-round game against Batsuren.
Despite Mizzou’s late surge, SLU managed to hold on for an 8.5-7.5 victory, claiming sole possession of first place as they headed into week seven of the CCL. The live broadcast of the match was hosted by Joe Lee and Zach Hage, providing fans with an exciting viewing experience.
In addition to the SLU vs. Mizzou matchup, viewers also had the opportunity to watch the matches between The University of Illinois UC vs. Rice University and University of Arizona vs. Arizona State, with the live broadcast hosted by GM Benjamin Bok and JulesGambit.
The Collegiate Chess League continues to showcase the top talent among college students, offering a competitive platform for players to test their skills and compete for a $25,000 prize fund. With each week bringing new challenges and exciting matchups, the CCL is a must-watch event for chess enthusiasts and fans of competitive gaming alike.