SRM and UCLA Dominate in 2024 Collegiate Chess League Fall Season Regular Season
SRM University emerged victorious in Division I of the 2024 Collegiate Chess League (CCL) Fall Season, securing first place in the last week of the regular season. Meanwhile, UCLA triumphed over Illinois in Division II with a round to spare, showcasing their dominance in the competition.
The top three boards of SRM, including IM A Ra Harikrishnan, IM Srihari L, and IM Manish Cristiano, each scored an impressive 3.5/4 against Virginia, leading their team to a decisive victory. On the other hand, Bhavik Ahuja stood out as UCLA’s top scorer, also achieving a score of 3.5/4.
The playoffs are set to begin on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET/20:00 CET/12:30 a.m. IST, promising intense matches and fierce competition among the top collegiate chess teams.
In a thrilling showdown between SRM and Virginia, SRM showcased their prowess on the top three boards, remaining undefeated throughout the match. With strategic gameplay and tactical brilliance, SRM secured a commanding lead early on and maintained their dominance until the final round, ultimately clinching the victory with a score of 12-4.
On the other hand, UCLA faced off against Illinois in a closely contested match in Division II. UCLA’s strong start, highlighted by impressive performances from players like Ashton Jin, propelled them to a lead that proved insurmountable for Illinois. Despite a valiant effort from Illinois in the later rounds, UCLA emerged victorious with a final score of 8.5-7.5, securing their spot in the playoffs.
As the top teams gear up for the playoffs, the competition is expected to intensify, with Missouri facing Yale and Saint Louis taking on Athens in the Division I Quarterfinals. SRM and UT Rio Grande will also be competing in the Semifinals as the top two finishers, setting the stage for thrilling matchups in the upcoming rounds.
The Collegiate Chess League continues to captivate audiences with its high-stakes matches and top-tier talent, providing a platform for college students to showcase their skills and compete for a $25,000 prize fund. With the excitement building up for the playoffs, chess enthusiasts can look forward to more intense battles and strategic gameplay in the weeks to come.