Thomas Owolabi (aka m_labby)
Meet Thomas Owolabi, the tactical brainiac who’s been making waves on the online chess battlegrounds with a unique blend of dogged determination and quirky flair. Known by many as m_labby, Thomas has a penchant for turning intense blitz duels into epic sagas where every move counts and every game feels like a chessboard rollercoaster.
Chess Journey & Style
Thomas doesn’t just play chess — he lives it. With a peak blitz rating soaring near 692 and rapid games hitting up to 667, he’s no stranger to high-octane play. His style is a curious cocktail of gritty comeback prowess (a jaw-dropping 75.9% comeback rate after setbacks) and strategic patience, averaging around 57 moves per game whether winning or losing.
While some fold early, Thomas embraces the grind, showing a steadfast love for endgames — which occur in over half his matches — proving he’s not just about quick strikes but also the marathon mental endurance. But don’t be fooled: with an early resignation rate under 9%, he knows when to salute and reset for revenge.
Opening Repertoire
From the classic King’s Pawn Opening to the scaly depths of the Scandinavian Defense, Thomas shows a versatile command of openings. His personal favorite might just be the Italian Game, where his wins slightly edge out losses — perhaps a subtle nod to his flair for elegant, attacking chess. In bullet and blitz, his 80% win rate with the King’s Pawn opening proves lightning fast reflexes blend well with solid preparation.
Memorable Matches
Thomas’s recent victories include dazzling checkmates like the one against nmarino28, finishing with a beautiful Rh8# — talk about saving the best for last! Though he’s faced heartbreaks, like a tough loss to jadielrompeonuz1, his resilience means he’s always ready to bounce back with a grin (and another set of moves).
Chess Statistics & Quirks
- Total Blitz Games: Nearly 2,000 battles waged with a solid win-loss record (960-904), proving persistence beats all.
- Rapid Game Wins: Holding a positive record with 270 wins against 222 losses, Thomas is at home in time controls that demand both speed and thoughtfulness.
- Tilt Factor: Just 11 — clearly, Thomas has learned to keep his cool even when the chess gods frown.
- Favorite Time to Play: The early bird special at 5:00 AM brings out his sharpest tactical awareness, so don’t be surprised if you get an unexpected “good morning” checkmate.
A Final Word
Whether it’s blitz, rapid, bullet, or the rare daily grind, Thomas Owolabi’s chess journey is anything but dull. A warrior on the board, a tactician with flair, and a player with a remarkable comeback spirit, m_labby is one to watch—just make sure you're not his opponent around dawn!
