Alain Morais wins Jamaican Juniors!

Pete Myers, "Morais wins Junior Chess Champs," 6 April 2003 (Kingston, Jamaica).

Second seed Alain Morais (pictured right), pocketed his first major national title when he won the 2003 National Junior Chess Championship crown at Campion College on Saturday. The tournament, which was organized by the Jamaica Chess Federation, had a field of 21 junior players.

Morais, who had a half point lead going into the final round, drew his last game against former Meadowbrook High schoolmate, Allan Wilson, to end up on 5 points from six games. Morais ended the tournament on the same score as top seed Ras Malaku Lorne of Wolmer's Boys, Morais however won the title based on the Harkness/Median tiebreak system.

Lorne took second place, while tied for third on 4.5 points were 2002 Junior Champion Daren Wisdom and Allan Wilson. Reigning National Women's Champion Deborah Richards of Wolmer's Girls scored 4 points to secure fifth place.

Category prizes were awarded to Richards who was the best player under 18 and the best female, Brandon Wilson was the best under 16 and Brian Ewbank was the best under-14 and under-12.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 8 April 2003