UTD Triumphs in Spring 2026 Collegiate Chess League Championship After Narrow Fall 2025 Defeat
UT Dallas Claims Collegiate Chess League Title in Thrilling Comeback
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In a dramatic turn of events, the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) chess team has emerged victorious in the 2026 Collegiate Chess League, clinching the championship title with a 9.5-6.5 win over the SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM). This triumph comes just months after UTD narrowly lost to St. Louis University (SLU) in the fall 2025 finals, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The championship match unfolded over four intense rounds, with UTD demonstrating a remarkable team effort. Each player contributed significantly, scoring between 1.5 and 3 points in their respective matches, a testament to their collective strength and strategy.
Round One: UTD 1.5 – 2.5 SRM
The finals kicked off with SRM continuing their impressive form from the semifinals, where they defeated the defending champions, SLU. In the first round, SRM secured two wins and a draw, with GM Pranesh M leading the charge by defeating UTD’s GM Koustav Chatterjee.
Round Two: UTD 2.5 – 1.5 SRM
Determined to bounce back, UTD leveled the score in the second round. Pranesh continued his winning streak, but UTD’s GM Gergely Kantor and Chatterjee both delivered crucial victories, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
Round Three: UTD 3 – 1 SRM
UTD seized the lead in round three, going undefeated. Kantor and GM Yair Parkhov both scored wins, with Parkhov’s sharp Sicilian defense proving pivotal. His tactical prowess allowed him to secure a critical victory, further boosting UTD’s momentum.
Round Four: UTD 2.5 – 1.5 SRM
With the championship within reach, UTD maintained their composure in the final round. Despite facing early challenges, GM Aditya Samant managed to turn the tide, winning a tense endgame that solidified UTD’s lead and ensured their victory.
After the match, Kantor reflected on the team’s performance, expressing a mix of regret and pride. “I think we deserved this victory,” he stated, confidently predicting, “probably we will be right back next semester.”
The Collegiate Chess League continues to be the premier online chess competition for college students, and UTD’s triumph marks a significant milestone in their chess program’s history. Fans can catch the finals broadcast, hosted by Joe Lee, to relive the excitement of this unforgettable championship.
As UTD celebrates their hard-fought victory, the chess community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this talented team.