FIDE Master Warren Elliott and National Master Malaku Lorne tied for first place at the 2012 National Blitz Chess Championships, which took place on Saturday at the Shirley Retreat Hotel.

Lorne, made a long awaited return to top-class chess when he defeated veteran National Masters Russell Porter and Geoffrey Byfield to end on 5.5 points from six games.

Elliott, who has held the title for more than five consecutive years, also ended undefeated with 5.5 points after overpowering National Master Robert Wheeler and 2012 Jamaica champion Andrew Mellace.

Both players drew in the fourth round and agreed to share the national title. Zachary Ramsay trailed behind in third place with five points.

Deborah Porter, who finished with four points, was awarded the prize for National Women’s Blitz Champion, while Horace Sinclair was declared the National Junior Blitz Champion.

Prizes were also awarded to the best players in each age group category. Nathan Walsh claimed the gold medal for categories “Under 8, 10, and 12”, while John Lord captured the “Under 14” prize.

The 44th Annual General Meeting of the Jamaica Chess Federation took place concurrently. Vice-president Peter Myers read the report of president Ian Wilkinson, who spoke about the development of parish associations and various accomplishments in local chess over the past year.