Championships in Pittsburgh after making it through to the knockout round.

The news came yesterday from the Bermuda Debate Society's president John Barritt reporting that the 15th ranked Bermudian team narrowly lost out on a split decision against the second-ranked team from Israel.

"As the president of the Bermuda Debate Society, and someone who watched the debates, I am very pleased to say that Bermuda saved their best performance for the knockout round.

"They narrowly lost to Israel on a split decision. Two of the three judges went for Israel and the other went for Bermuda. However the two judges who went with Israel said afterward that it was a narrow victory.'' And Mr. Barritt added: "I have to say that in my mind, they won, and others feel the same way.

"I am very pleased about seeing the way Bermuda accepted their defeat but I know they know they gave one of their best debates.'' The three debaters who competed against Israel were Christie Hunter, captain Ruth O'Kelly Lynch, and vice captain Kahlilah Robinson.

They were cheered on from the sidelines by the other two members of the squad, Christine Mayor and Eli Lipschultz.

They are set to fly back to the Island tomorrow after the finals and the tournament banquet with their coach Gladstone Thompson and Bermuda judge Mary Murray.

Bermuda made it to the knockout round of the tournament after recording four wins and four losses in its preliminary round match-ups which included debates against Argentina -- which it won -- and England -- which it lost.

"Their overall performance got them into the final 16 and this moved them into the knockout round,'' said Mr. Barritt.

"Their opponent yesterday afternoon was Israel who had a seven-win and one-loss record after their preliminary round debates.'' EDUCATION ED