Details were sketchy as to whom he had played, but the standard of competition is known to be of a high standard, with a number of young grandmasters involved.

Living conditions in the recently formed republic are said to be less than ideal for Alkon and his father/manager Brian Alkon, but the experience may prove invaluable.

The tournament continues today and runs through July 29.

BASKETBALL BAS Casey's Rebels and Young Guns, two teams favoured to battle for supremacy in the men's division of the Summer Basketball League, got off to encouraging starts to the new season over the weekend.

Guns were at their sharp-shooting best as they made target practice of Bratt Pack in a 70-55 triumph at BAA Gym on Monday.

Chief gunslingers were Rocky Fox and Kevin Stovell with 16 and 15 points respectively. Fox also crashed the boards for eight rebounds, aided by Derek Hurdle, who snatched five.

Meanwhile, Billy Dunn was a scoring machine for Pack, pouring in 19 points. In addition Chae Powell weighed in with 12 points and nine boards albeit in a losing effort.

Reigning Winter League champions Rebels eased their way past Jamaican Grill 55-30 on the tails of 17 points and 10 rebounds from Dean Jones and 12 points from Troy Albuoy. Rebels Led 34-12 at the interval.

Others recording victories were Bank of Bermuda, 51-44 winners over Bratt Pack, People's Pharmacy, who edged Titans 46-45 and Chief Rockas, with a 93-23 blow-out of Cablevision.

There was one match played among the women's division which saw defending champions Meyer Flyers overhauling The Centre 41-39.

Freida Dill scored 22 points while Janice Hamkey had nine. Carmen DeShields and Denise Correia had 10 and eight rebounds respectively.

Carol Ann scored 17 points and had 11 rebounds for The Centre but lacked support.