Despite a poor start to the Digicel National Absolute Chess Championship (4.5/7) , FIDE Master (FM) Warren Elliott recovered to win back-to-back titles for a historic eighth hold on the coveted championship trophy.

Elliott headed in the 11th and final round a point ahead of the field. He needed at least a draw against National Master Peter Myers to retain the most prestigious local championships title. In a less than tense battle, Elliott stayed on course to win in 27 moves and retain the National Chess Champion title of Jamaica.

Elliott finished on 8.5 points ahead of FM Damion Davy who ended on 7.5 points. Third was NM Andrew Mellace with seven points, while fourth and fifth were Candidate Master (CM) Brandon Wilson and CM Malaku Lorne both with 6.5 points.

Rounding off the championships were Shreyas Smith on 5.5, Kevin Merritt with five points, Deborah Richards-Porter on 4.5, Paul Brooks, Peter Myers, and Daren Wisdom on fou points, and Ian Wilkinson with 2.5.

Running simultaneously with the Absolute Championships was the National Female Championships. WCM Annesha Smith defeated Sheanel Gardner in the final round to finish on 5.5 points and secure her second hold on the Women’s Championship title. In second position was WCM Melisha Smith on 4.5 points, with third going to Krishna Gray on four points followed by WCM Ariel Barrett and Sheanel Gardner.

The championships were sponsored by Digicel, The Jamaica Chess Federation, Christar Villas and The Jamaica Olympic Association. It selects the National Champion and Jamaica’s representatives at the senior level.