Jamaica went down fighting to Jordan 3 1/2- 1/2 in the seventh round of the 38th World Chess Olympiad in Dresden, Germany yesterday.

The higher-rated Arab nation scored wins on Board 1, 2, and 4, while Jamaica carved out a textbook win on Board 3.
Jamaican international, Warren Elliott, started well on Board one, but became entangled in the mating net of Bilal Samhouri. To extricate his King, Elliott gave up a Knight, but inevitably resigned at move 49 in a loss position.

On Board two, Shane Matthews gallantly fought with his more accomplished opponent to a double-edged minor piece with pawns ending, but in time pressure, grabbed a poisoned pawn, and was forced to resign a move later.

After his sensational Queen sacrifice in Round six, Jamaican Duane Rowe scored a masterful win over Farhan Mohannad to prevent a Jordanian whitewash.

On Board four, young Brandon Wilson, one of the rising stars of Jamaican chess, held his game together against A Samhouri until he fell victim to a simple trap which cost him a Bishop and the game.

The material superiority of the final position shows the ease with which Rowe disposed of his higher rated Arab opponent.

Trinidad and Tobago drubbed Liechtenstein 3-1 and Barbados scored an easy 4-0 win over Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, defending champions, Armenia, took the lead after a fantastic win over Russia. Hosts Germany edged Rumania by a similar score; the USA bested Hungary 2 1/2- 1; Cuba beat Germany by the same margin and Canada shutout Macau, 4-0.

In today's eighth round, Jamaica go up against Macau; Barbados play Andorra, T&T draw a tough assignment in Canada; the USA face Russia; Cuba get Germany #2, and leaders Armenia clash with France.

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World