Adrian Armstrong won the Jamaica Inn Foundation’s sixth Backgammon Tournament last Saturday, beating Joey Issa in the final to take home the US$2,500 prize.

Armstrong also won a three-night stay at Jamaica Inn, along with a black and gold VVIP card, courtesy of sponsor VIP Attractions.

Thirty-two players competed in this year’s event held at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios and Tournament Manager Philip Simborg was impressed with the level of growth showcased by players during the event.

“I feel pleased about the level at which persons are playing. Five years ago I would say the top Jamaican players were not able to compete worldwide but now they can. They have really been working hard on mastering the game,” he said.

“There is nothing more enthusiastic than these Jamaicans players,” he added

The first round of the game was nail-biting, with individuals battling to stay in the competition.

Fifteen-year-old John Issa, on his first entry in a tournament, made quite an impression after winning the first round 7-1.

“I was a bit nervous, it was a tough game but the dice was definitely on my side for the first two games,” he said.

Proceeds from the tournament will go towards conserving and restoring marine life at the White River Fish Sanctuary.

Co-chairman at the White River Fish Sanctuary Belinda Collier-Morrow told the Jamaica Observer that she is happy with the thoughtfulness of the JIF.

“The Jamaica Inn Foundation has been instrumental in getting the white fish sanctuary to get going. We are grateful and majority of the funds will go towards our patrol team,” she said.

Broker at Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty Andrew Issa stated that his company was delighted to be a title sponsor.

“We are privileged to sponsor this tournament every year. I have personally seen the growth of corals reefs and also the 50 per cent increase in the fish. So I’m looking forward to next year and we are hoping more people will come on board to play with us,” he said.

Other sponsors for the tournament were Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Wisynco, Proven, Chukka, Spanish Court Hotel, Nations Choice, Tru-Juice, Worthy Park, GraceKennedy, Arosa, MegaMart, Evergo, Hot off the Press, Select Brands, Desmond Mail Insurance Brokers, Water Hub, and Select Brands.