Jamaicans at FIDE Invitational
Both Jomo Pitterson and Shane Matthews have long been among Jamaica’s strongest players. The question has always been how strong they are internationally. Both are competing in the 23rd North American FIDE Invitational in Skokie, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Shane Matthews of Jamaica battling GM Alfonso Romero Holmes of Spain. Photo by Peter Myers.
.jpg)
Jomo Pitterson at 2006 Olympiad in Turin, Italy.
Photo by Daaim Shabazz.
Matthews is a seven-time national champion and has played in Olympiad tournaments dating almost 20 years. Other than the biennial tournament, he has not played much abroad. Pitterson, also a former national champion, has put together a number of strong results culminating in earning his FM title at the Dresden Olympiad last year. However, the key is playing strong competition on a consistent basis and neither of them have been able to accomplish this.
This tournament is the U.S. debut for both players and will hopefully result in more chances to play for norms. The tournament will last from August 22nd-26th.
Site: https://www.nachess.org/
I’ve asked some players to go down and support Matthews and Pitterson. I believe they are in my hometown of Chicago for the first time. Pitterson was asking me about the event a month ago. Not the best performance by the Jamaicans, but they have to get used to playing strong players consistently.
IM Ray Robson is about to get his second GM norm in consecutive tournaments. It is common knowledge that norms come in bunches. This shows that Robson’s strength is improving.
Ray Robson wins with 7/9 and gets 2nd GM norm! He will go for 3rd norm and title at Polgar tournament next month. This 14-year old is the real deal and we’ve known that since he was about 11 or 12. I haven’t gotten any feedback from Pitterson or Matthews, but I’m sure they will have some valuable lessons to take back to Jamaica.