Bertram Scott, "FM Warren Elliott Wins,"  Jamaica Ambassadors Chess Academy.

FM Warren Elliott won the 2003 Jamaica Open Championship with a unbeaten score of 5/6. Second was Jamaica Champion, NM Shane Matthews with 4.5/6 followed by Jamaica's newest National Master Ras Malaku Lorne also with 4.5/6.

Jamaica Women's Champion, Deborah Richards, created quite a sensation by knocking off two National Masters, a Candidate Master, and had a draw with her coach, NM Russel Porter.

In the first round, Deborah shocked CM Daren Wisdom, scored a win over Jamaica's most obscure NM Richard Haughton in round two, and proceeded to register an emphatic victory over the flamboyant NM Duane Rowe in the third round. At the end of Day 1, Deborah Richards was perfect with 3/3, and shared first place with Elliott and Shane Matthews. Ms. Richards lost twice on day two to finish 10th.

The Open produced quite a few upsets with National Masters loosing to their lesser favored opponents. NM Mark Holness lost to Gary Hew (1678) and Duan Williams, and also drew with Rayon Smith (1721) and Mark Henry (1815). NM Richard Haughton suffered losses at the hands of Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF) President, Ian Wilkinson (1708), Deborah Richards (1631), and Rayon Smith (1721).

The Open also saw the National Master title being confirmed by Ras Malaku Lorne on his strong third place showing. The 2003 Jamaica Open was sponsored by BSH, Best Seat in the House (Jamaica) Ltd.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 21 October 2003