Richards marks return with title

After a one-year hiatus to complete her university studies, seven-time national women's champion, Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Deborah Richards, marked her return to the Jamaican chess scene by winning the seventh staging of the Robert Wheeler Chess Open at Jamaica College last weekend.

Richards took the open title after securing a hard-fought draw against National Master Brandon Wilson in the final round, to end on 4.5 points from six games.

Second place went to National Master Peter Myers, who also ended with 4.5 points but was relegated to second after two tie-break systems were employed.

Third went to National Master-elect Mikhail Solomon, who also ended on 4.5 points but was relegated to third on a tie-break.

The Intermediate section for players with a Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF) rating below 1,600, was won by Kingston College student Kamaal Warren, who scored five points from six games. Second place went to Alethia Edwards of Wolmer's Girls, who ended on 4.5, while third went to Kadian McGlashan, who also ended with 4.5 points.

The Amateur section, for players with a JCF rating below 1,200, was won by Janique Lee, who was perfect after winning all five of her matches.

A number of category prizes were awarded as follows: Best Expert - Mark Henry, Best in Class A - Melisha Smith, Best Class B - Shawn Wilkinson, Best Class C - Jonathan Pitterson, Best Class D - Twae-Jordan Rose and Best Class E - Justin Lowe.

Age group prizes were also awarded, as follows: Best U-10 - Sheanel Gardner, Best U-12 - Sheanel Gardner and Best U-14 - Jonathan Pitterson.