After last year's thrilling finale, this year's National Championship may provide the most exciting clash in recent years. With FM Delisle Warner set to defend his crown and 7-time championship FM Dr. Philip Corbin anticipating a run for the title, 12-time champion IM Kevin Denny will return after a two-year hiatus from the island's championship cycle. The "Bajan Bruiser" is back!

Denny will headline the list of players set to begin their quest for a spot in the Finals and a possible chance to make the Olympiad team. The 2nd qualifier will take place March 8-24th. After the two qualifiers, FM Warner will his quest to defend his crown. FM Corbin won the 1st qualifier in an effortless manner with a 8-0 drubbing of the field.

Warner defeated Corbin last year in a thrilling finale which drew an international audience. This year's championship should be more exciting with the addition of Denny, the highest-rated player in the English-speaking Caribbean. Things just got a bit more exciting for Barbados' championship chess. Stay tuned!

Barbados Chess Federation

Posted by The Chess Drum: 8 March 2004