FM Elliott notches 7th Jamaican title!

FM Warren Elliott was the toast of the awards ceremony recently staged by the Jamaica Chess Federation (“JCF”) at Christar Villas Hotel to honour the prize-winners in the 2015 Jamaican Chess Championship and the 2015 President’s Invitational tournament, respectively.

FM Warren Elliott (centre) at Christar Villas Hotel accepting the winner’s trophy, his record-equaling 7th title, from Diana Watson (Banqueting Manager at the hotel) and Ian Wilkinson QC, JCF President for taking top honours in the 2015 Digicel Jamaican Chess Championship.

Elliott won the event with a fantastic 10.5/11 to notch his 7th national title, equaling the record set by FM Shane “The Magician” Matthews. His only draw was a “warm-up” first round game against his former student FCM Brandon Wilson. The Cornwall College past student also shared the inaugural prize for the “Best Game” with JCF President Ian Wilkinson for their 7th round encounter, Elliott winning after surviving pressure and serious time trouble.

WCM Melisha Smith stands proudly at Christar Villas Hotel after receiving the “Brilliancy” prize for her explosive victory over NM Peter Myers in the 6th round of the 2015 Digicel Jamaican Chess Championship.

FM Damion Davy receives his prizes (2nd in the 2015 Digicel Jamaican Championship and “hardest-fought” game).

WCM Melisha Smith was delighted when she learnt that her 6th round demolition of NM Peter Myers was awarded the inaugural “Brilliancy” prize. Other major winners were three-time Jamaican Champion FM Damion Davy who shared the “Hardest Fought” game prize with the Clarendonian Kevron Campbell, Davy winning the 4th round see-saw battle. These “special” prizes were adjudicated by a panel of outstanding Jamaican masters – Neil Fairclough, Shane Matthews, Jomo Pitterson, Duane Rowe and Robert Wheeler.

Other prizes (cash) were given to Davy (2nd – 9.5/11), FCM Ras Malaku Lorne (3rd – 8/11), NM Shreyas Smith (4th – 7/11), Wilson (5th – 7/11) and NM Andrew Mellace (6th – 6/11).

NM Daren Wisdom was presented with the President’s Cup and the top cash prize for his winning 7.5/10 effort. The veteran Markland Douglas edged former Jamaican Junior Champion Miguel Asher for 2nd place on tie-breaks although they each ended on 6.5/10. Other prizes (cash) were presented to Wilkinson (4th – 5.5/10), NM Ryan Blackwood (5th – 5.5/10) and another veteran of Jamaican Chess Michael Diedrick (6th – 5/10).

Players enjoy the proceedings – L-R: Shreyas Smith, Terence Lindo, Michael Diedrick, Nathan Hinds, Ras Malaku Lorne and Kevron Campbell.

Kevron Campbell being served by staff of the Christar Villas Hotel.

The tournaments were sponsored by Digicel, Christar Villas Hotel, the Jamaica Olympic Association and the Magnificent Chess Foundation.

Ian G. Wilkinson QC, President Jamaica Chess Federation
2015 June 5