Yet Marshall did enjoy one notable triumph over Capablanca-and next month marks its 100th anniversary. In February 1913 Havana staged a great tournament, intended as a sort of victory march for its dazzling new star: Capablanca had just beaten Marshall to first place in a tournament in the American's backyard, New York. But to the dismay-and doubtless astonishment-of the Cubans, Marshall managed to push Capablanca into second place by the narrowest margin. The key was the second individual encounter between the two (this was a double-round event) which Marshall somehow won after surviving a completely lost position in the middle-game.

In his autobiography, Marshall describes an extraordinary scene (more like a bullfight than a chess game) with characteristic vividness: "There was a tremendous crowd, which filled the street outside. Capa had a win, which would have given him first place, but the tension and excitement were too much for him. He played some weak moves and I eventually won the game and first prize. When the result was announced, the crowd let out a terrific roar. At first I thought they were after my blood for defeating their idol and asked for an escort to my hotel. It turned out, however, that the good Cubans were just showing their sportsmanship and were cheering me!"

Maybe the good Cubans were also aware that Marshall had done more than anyone to further the career of their native son. Or perhaps, in common with chess fans the world over, they just loved Frank Marshall.