Duel of Cubans highlights Turkey Bowl chess event
By Paola Iuspa-Abbott
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
November 20, 2006
Boca Raton · Growing up in Cuba, they spent countless hours playing chess together. They joined the national chess team and traveled the world until defecting in the 1990s. Julio Becerra’s and Blas Lugo’s paths crossed again Sunday, as they faced off for the title at the fifth annual Turkey Bowl Chess Championship at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
Becerra, who defeated Lugo, is Florida’s top chess player. They shared the weekend with about 180 players competing in different categories and ranging in age from 6 to 92, said Jon Haskel, the event coordinator.
The full story can be read here. 
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
WOW!! thanks Susan for posting this on the main page. I mentioned it in the comment section for Bruzon. Many people are not aware that Cuba has chess beyond Capablanca. Blas Lugo is a really nice guy, his academy was within walking distance of where I lived in Miami. The issue of Cuba is very difficult for Cubans, those who fled the brutal, bloddy, and oppressive dictatorship of Castro. Growing up in Hungary I am sure you can relate. However that does not take away from the fact that chess is thriving there. Sadly, it is used by Castro and his regime as a “victory” of the revolution. I think it has survived IN SPITE and independent of the revolution. All this crap of the modern man and to each according to his needs from each according to his abilities is the furthest thing from the chess board, where it is INDIVIDUALITY, not conforming that triumphs.