LYSSONS, St Thomas — The Dragon Stout World Series of Dominoes tournament kicked off over the weekend with a series of elimination games. Over one hundred and fifty contenders participated in the first ever cut throat domino championships in Jamaica on Saturday, December 5, in Lyssons, St Thomas.

Out of the large showing, twenty-seven advanced to the second-round set for January 2, 2010 at BibiBips, Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Of the 27, the tournament saw its first two female qualifiers, Hermaine Faggarthy from Nine Miles Bull Bay and Kerry Ann Duff from Buff Bay Portland who showed skill and tenacity in their respective victories.

In addition to the contenders, droves of supporters came out to cheer their favourites on.

Kerry Newman of the World Series of Dominoes, said that he was extremely satisfied with the turnout and the smooth running of the proceedings.

“Overall it was a very strong start for the all-island domino competition and we’re all looking forward to the coming weeks,” Mr. Newman said.

“The deadline for entries was only the day before on Friday December 4th and we got an overwhelming response,” he added.

The competition boasts a $2 million first prize while second place is worth a whopping one million dollars. Third place earns $500,000, fourth $250,000 and persons finishing from fifth to 16th are guaranteed $50,000 each.

The eliminations will continue in Portland on the weekend of December 11, 12 and 13 at the Horoscope Restaurant and Bar on Main Street in Manchioneal and from there at Solo’ Place at Paggee Beach in Port Maria, St Mary on December 18, 19, and 20.

The tournament for all the hefty cash bounties will then take place in Kingston at a venue to be announced on Saturday, February 27, 2010.

The 2010 Dragon Stout World of Dominoes Tournament is a four-man cut-throat competition that will continue to be contested in a very relaxed atmosphere, said president of the World Series of Dominoes Ltd Kerry Newman.

Newman revealed that the woman who advances the furthest will take home $100,000.

“What this means is that if a woman wins the tournament she will actually win $2.1 million,” he ended.

In addition, the player who wins 6 love wins $10,000 and a case of Dragon Stout instantly.

Joseph Oates, brand manager for Dragon Stout says the competition is the first of its kind and largest domino tournament in Jamaica.

“Dragon is proud to bring this competition to the people, it’s the first of its kind. Dominoes is a grass roots game and Dragon, we believe is a grass roots stout that truly represents Jamaica. The synergy is obvious and we look forward to even more successes and excitement in the tournament,” Oates said.