Wolmer’s Boys’ sixth former Miguel Asher took the 2011 National Junior Chess Champion title after defeating Glenmuir’s Andrew Ellis 2.5-1.5 in a four-game tie-break match at the end of regulation play in the Burger King National Junior Chess Championship, which took place at the Half-Way-Tree Entertainment Complex early this month.

The Championship saw the island’s top eight juniors battling each other during the single round robin event.

Asher’s only loss in the tournament came in the first round to Woman Candidate Master Margoe Williams. He quickly bounced back, however, after the early loss and along with Ellis, ended on six out of a possible seven points. Asher had won the head-to-head game between the two players.

Andrew Ellis took second place, while third place was shared between Williams, Laurence Davey and Ardenne’s Damani Reid, who all finished on three and a half points.

Asher, who wants to pursue law, is the first student of Wolmer’s High School to hold the National Junior Championship title. President of the Jamaica Chess Federation, Ian Wilkinson congratulated the young champion and the Wolmer’s community. “He loves chess, takes it seriously, puts in the effort and therefore, his victory is not a surprise to me,” said Wilkinson.

Asher hopes to follow this performance by successfully representing Jamaica at the various international Junior events in the summer.

Meanwhile, the 2011 Burger King National Junior Chess Gala was held concurrently with the Junior Chess Champs and after six rounds of play, Kareem Wright of St Jago High claimed first place with an undefeated 5.5 points, while Andrew Folkes of Campion College and St Jago’s Roderick Clifford followed closely behind with five and four points respectively. National Under-12 champion Rachel Miller was adjudged the best female player.

The tournaments were made possible thanks to sponsorship from Burger King.