It appeared that Griffin had used most of his energies during a previous five-game thriller against Tom Quinn, and Dent was in no mood to allow a moment's recuperation.

Quinn defeated Mark Tremblay in the play-off for third and fourth place. Quinn won 9-0, 9-7, 9-5.

Meanwhile, the plate final witnessed an unexpected winner in the form of Nas Jetha, who won via default over Tim Viney, who had family commitments.

BRIDGE BDG Bermuda registered a narrow victory over New Zealand but were then beaten by China at the 2000 Bridge Olympiad in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

The Kiwis were edged out by 52-49, while China then defeated the Island 66-36 to leave Bermuda with a record of four victories and six losses in 10 games.

The Bermudians have also beaten Palestine, Botswana and Malaysia.

Non-playing captain Edna Clay heads the Island team which comprises three pairs, Roman Smolski and Vera Petty, Charles Vacrosson and David Schroeder and David Sykes and David Cordon.

The quadrennial event has attracted 72 teams which have been divided into four groups of 18. With seven more games to play, Bermuda lie 14th in Group Four, which is led by Italy and Argentina.

KARATE MAT While Bermuda will not be directly represented in the discipline of Taekwondo at the Summer Olympic there will be an Island connection.

Having strong ties to Bermuda is Pedro Xavier, the leading member of the Capo Verde squad.

Xavier was the fighting grandchampion of the BKI Bermuda Open Karate Championships in 1991 and also won for forms and fighting during the 1984 edition of the same event.

Meanwhile, coach of the Capo Verde team, Boston native Joe Pina is married to a Bermudian -- Barbara Tatem -- and has likewise visited here frequently.

Looking at the future, Pina and Tatem's have a son, Khari, who has expressed interest in representing Bermuda at future Games.