Queens Clinches First USCL Playoff Berth

The Queens Pioneers drew the New Jersey Knockouts Monday night, clinching the first playoff spot in the US Chess League this season. At 5.5-1.5, the Pioneers cannot finish any lower than 4th in the Eastern Division, even if they lose their last 3 matches. The Carolina Cobras are also on the verge of clinching after a 3.5-0.5 drubbing of the Baltimore Kingfishers. Both the Cobras and the Knockouts are sitting at 4.5-2.5.

Out in the Western Division, the San Francisco Mechanics solidified their hold on first place with a 3-1 win over the Seattle Sluggers. However, the tightly packed West is still up for grabs, as the defending champion Dallas Destiny are just one game back. Behind them, there appears to be a three-team race between Miami, Chicago and Seattle for the last two playoff spots - although both Arizona and Tennessee retain faint playoff hopes.

Next week's biggest matches might be on Monday. The Miami Sharks take on the Dallas Destiny in a match which could all but secure a playoff birth for the winner, while Carolina battles New Jersey in what could be a preview of a first round playoff match. The Wednesday headliner is likely Seattle vs. Arizona, with both teams desperately needing a win to bolster their playoff hopes.