The queens of dominoes — A triumph of skill and determination

ANDREA Lewis, Natasha Brown, Annemarie Hibbert and Natalie “Lady Assassin” Wright are just a few of the talented women who are showing the world what they are made of in this year’s Supreme Domino Master Series. These women have defied stereotypes and shattered expectations, proving that gender has no bearing on skill, determination or a love for the game.

Lewis, who played in May Pen, is just one of the many women making their presence known in this year’s tournament. Her strategic game play and impressive domino skills have earned her a place among the top competitors, showcasing the power of women in a sport that is often seen as a man’s game.

A dominant force in the domino scene, Lewis shared her thoughts on the tournament and the game itself.

“For me, playing dominoes is not just a game; it’s a passion that I’ve had for over 29 years. As a woman in this male-dominated sport, it’s important for me to show that I’m just as skilled and competitive as any male player, and this platform has allowed me to do so,” she said.

“Despite living overseas and not having much time to practise, I know I’m still a force to be reckoned with, and I’m confident I can come out on top.”

Brown is another female player who has made her mark in this year’s tournament, emerging as a semi-finalist and top-16 player in Portmore. Her skill and determination have earned her a reputation as a fierce competitor.

Passion, fun and outsmarting opponents — these are the principles that have guided her to the top of her game in the tournament. She knows how to stay calm under pressure and outmanoeuvre her opponents.

“I just get them to fight amongst each other, then work my way through,” she said, revealing her secret to success. For Brown, it’s not just about winning; it’s about proving that women can excel at dominoes too.

“I just wanted to show the men that women can play dominoes as well and can play even better,” she explained.

Hibbert, a semi-finalist and top-16 player in Spanish Town and May Pen, is another shining example of the power of women in this year’s tournament. Her adept game play and strategic moves have earned her the respect and admiration of her fellow competitors.

A passionate advocate for women’s involvement in the sport, as a member of the All-Star female domino team, Hibbert has been playing the game for quite some time and finds it both challenging and rewarding.

“I firmly believe that women can play just as well, if not better, than men,” she asserted. “I always encourage women to learn the game and to keep playing, as the more you play, the more you learn and will be able to make strategic moves.”

But perhaps the most impressive player of all is Wright, who finished fourth in Spanish Town and is the best placed so far. Her skills have earned her a place among the top competitors.

Lady Assassin, the domino champion with lightning-fast moves and razor-sharp focus, is a heavy hitter on the table. Her name may evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, but her game speaks volumes about her skill and expertise.

“The story behind my name is that when I am beating the domino table, I beat it hard,” she remarked. Her secret to success lies in her unwavering calm, laser-sharp focus, and fervent prayers. Her goal is to not only win the tournament but to dominate it with her unmatched ability to read the table and predict her opponents’ moves.

“I believe that success in dominoes comes from a combination of skill, strategy, and mental toughness, and I strive to bring all three to every game I play. I am honoured to be among the women making their mark in this competition, and I look forward to continuing to play at my best,” she delivered.

With numerous skilled domino players vying for the prestigious title of National Domino Champion and a lucrative cash prize of $1 million, the competition is fierce and the stakes are exceptionally high. The emergence of these talented women in this year’s series is testament to the power of proficiency, perseverance and passion.

The Supreme Domino Master Series will take place on July 2 at the Chinese Benevolent Association.