UM Chess Club shines at the XY-Chess Classical Team Tournament

The XY-Chess Club, led by FM Clarence Psaila, hosted its annual 7-Round Classical Team Tournament between 25 October and 16 November, and the University of Malta Chess Club (UMCC) delivered an outstanding performance!

Represented by Matthias Gatt (1906), Jacob Zammit (1813), Andrei Dobbin (1770) and Lukas Willamowius (1779), the UMCC team claimed first place, finishing the event with 6.5 match points and an impressive 18 game points.

Team captain Matthias Gatt, playing on Board 1, remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. He played five games, securing three victories and two draws — a solid and reliable top-board performance.

On Board 2, Jacob Zammit achieved a perfect score, winning all six games. His dominant run earned him the title of “Best Board 2” of the tournament.

Board 3 was led by Andrei Dobbin, who delivered an excellent result by winning four out of his five games.

Meanwhile, reserve player Lukas Willamowius made a strong impact, finishing undefeated with four wins out of four.

UM students beyond the main UMCC team also excelled.

Two-time and current Malta Chess Champion, CM Jack Mizzi (2203), played all seven rounds, winning five games and drawing one. His outstanding performance earned him the title of “Best Board 1” of the tournament.

Former UMCC Executive Member Adam Buckle (1692) was another standout performer, achieving a perfect score of five wins from five games and being awarded “Best Board 3”.

The University of Malta celebrates these remarkable achievements and congratulates all students who showcased their skill, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.