Russel Porter takes John Powell Open

Peter Myers, “Porter takes Inaugural John Powell Chess Open,” 18 January 2008 (Jamaica).

PORTER TAKES INAUGURAL JOHN POWELL OPEN

National Master Russel Porter started the 2008 chess season with a bang, when he claimed the inaugural staging of the John Powell Memorial Chess Open at the Campion College Auditorium over the weekend. Porter topped the Open section with five points from six games, after securing a final round draw against National Master Duane Rowe.

Second place was shared amongst five players, National Master Malaku Lorne, National Master Duane Rowe, Damion Davy, Alain Morais and Lucien Rowe who each ended on 4.5 points.

The section for players rated under1600 was won by Kingston College’s rising star Richard Channer, who finished untouched after scoring a perfect six points from six games. Second place went to the fast improving Marq-Brandon Pitter who secured five points to register his best performance to date, while the third place prize went to Ashley Ferguson who scored 4 points.

Category Prizes were one by John Lord – Best Under 10, Chad Lawrence – Best Under 12, Marq-Brandon Pitter – Best Under 14, Ariel Barrett – Best Female, Damion Davy – Best Junior and Lucien Rowe – Best Rural Player.

The tournament, which was previously called the New Years Open, was renamed in honour of National Master John Powell, a founding member and former President of the Jamaica Chess Federation, who passed away in October last year. The tournament was co-sponsored by INC Limited, where Powell worked at the time of his passing and Campion College, one of Powell’s alma maters.