U.S. CHESS CONCEDES ON DRUG TESTING

RAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Delegates at the U.S. Chess Federations have
agreed to begin drug testing at tournaments under pressure from the
game's international governing body.

The Federation Internationale des Echecs (FIDE) is trying to make
chess an Olympic sport. Routine drug testing is a requirement for
recognition of any sport by the International Olympic Committee.

The tests cost $300-$500 each.

U.S. delegates at the U.S. Open tournament in Framingham reluctantly
agreed on Saturday, but urged FIDE for flexibility in the testing.

"The thing I'm concerned about is that this whole thing will go
overboard," said reigning U.S. champion Joel Benjamin.

Delegates asked that FIDE only test Olympic-caliber players, and not
those simply playing because they enjoy the game.

"What's the point in testing someone who's never, ever going to be in
the Olympics." delegate Allen Hinshaw asked the MetroWest Daily News.

FIDE says performance-enhancing drugs could provide an unfair
advantage in chess.

Caffeine, amphetamines and Ritalin are all examples, said Dr. Stephen
J. Press, vice chairman of FIDE's medical commission. Steroids and
other similar drugs could also provide an unfair endurance advantage
during a grueling match, he said.

"We know there are drugs that will positively affect cognizant
function," he said. "When you get into the fifth, sixth hour of a
match, and both players are fatigued, some of these drugs will
certainly make a difference."

Drug testing opponents agree that some drugs affect concentration, but
say it is a stretch to think they will have an impact when the chess
games begin.

"Drugs like amphetamines are more effective in things like a race,"
Benjamin said. "Taking those drugs, and constantly being up for hours
at a time, it's more likely that's going to hurt you than anything."

FIDE began testing at a youth tournament in Argentina last month.
Players were tested for all of the International Olympic Committee's
banned substances, including amphetamines, steroids and beta blockers,
which can calm the nerves.

Those tests all turned out negative.