Since Capablanca had won the New York 1927 tournament overwhelmingly , and had never lost a game to Alekhine , he was regarded by most pundits as the clear favorite in their 1927 World Chess Championship match . Since Capablanca had won the New York 1927 chess tournament overwhelmingly and had never lost a game to Alekhine , the Cuban was regarded by most pundits as the clear favorite in their World Chess Championship 1927 match .