Breaking News!! Caribbean chess is blazing with yet another serious clash. Jamaican Chess Federation President Ian Wilkinson reports that defending Jamaican Champion NM Shane Matthews had pulled even with front-runner Duane Rowe in the 35th National Championship… both are on 8½-1½. Today at 2:00 pm sharp the two players will face off for the title and The Chess Drum will bring you "live" action from Kingston.

In other news, Ras Malaku Lorne continued his role as the "Conquering Lion" by winning a tense game against NM Mark Holness. If the Rowe-Matthews game ends in a draw, then Lorne (who has clinched 3rd with 8-2) could join them with a win, but the task will not be easy… the upstart junior will face the often formidable NM Jomo Pitterson who sits at 4th position with 6½-3½.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 7 September 2003