ST JAMES, Jamaica  — The Jamaica Draughts Association, in collaboration with the Montego Bay Warriors Draughts Club, recently hosted a draughts and pool checkers open tournament at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay, St James.

The tournament, dubbed ‘Settle all Arguments’, brought together top players from across the island to battle for supremacy. Promoter, Mikoyan Robinson, president of the MoBay Warriors Draughts Club and first Vice President of JDA, was pleased with the turnout for the Top Masters Division.

The division was the highlight of the tournament, featuring the best of Jamaican draughts players. International Grandmaster Wayne Reid faced stiff competition from other top players, including his past students Jason Wisdom, the 2024 defending champion and Jermaine ‘Tiger’ Delattibudiere.

The competition was fierce, but Wisdom emerged as the champion by half a point, followed closely by Reid and Delattibudiere, who tied on points. However, the Swiss System utilised a method of separation to determine that Reid was second and Delattibudiere third.

The final points-standing shows the highly competitive nature of the tournament. Several draughts enthusiasts were amazed by the spectacular way the Top Masters competition unfolded.

“Playing draughts is not just a fun and exciting game; it also offers numerous cognitive benefits. Research has shown that playing games like draughts can improve strategic thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills,” shared Delattibudiere, the president of the JDA.

“Moreover, studies have found that engaging in mentally stimulating activities like draughts can reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia.”

The tournament also featured competitions in Class 2 and Class 3, where up-and-coming players showcased their skills and determination. The winners of these divisions demonstrated great potential and a bright future in the sport.

One notable player was 16-year-old Justin Angus, who is the youngest Class 2 player in Jamaica and has established dominance over several players in the class.

Tournament results:

– Class 1 (Top Masters Division)
– 1. Jason Wisdom – Champion
– 2. Wayne Reid – Runner-up
– 3. Jermaine Delattibudiere – Third place

– Class 2
– 1. Everette Kavanaugh – Champion
– 2. Justin Angus – Runner-up
– 3. Godfrey Menzie – Third place

– Class 3
– 1. Dexton Hudson – Champion
– 2. Jason Case – Runner-up
– 3. Alexander Rose – Third