Chess: Jamaica Makes Mark at Batumi Olympiad

The Jamaica Chess delegation has come away from the 43rd Chess Olympiad held in Batumi,

Georgia, with several internationally recognised chess titles, a wealth of experience, new contacts, and a seat on the World Chess Federation's governing body.

Over 180 countries participated in this supremely prestigious event where every serious chess player dreams of attending. Jamaica's delegation made its mark in more ways than one.

In addition to longtime JCF President Ian Wilkinson's appointment as an honorary vice-president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) during the FIDE General Assembly, he and two other non-playing members of the Jamaica delegation participated in a FIDE Trainer's Seminar which was held from September 26 to 29.

As a result of participation in this seminar, both Wilkinson and FM Shane Matthews (who was coach for the women's team) now have the designation of FIDE Instructor titles, while Terence Lindo (head of delegation) was awarded a National Instructor title.

Lindo and Wilkinson also successfully completed the FIDE International Organisers seminar, and were awarded the official certification for hosting FIDE tournaments

Jamaica's women's team had watchers on the edge of their seats. A very successful start to the tournament had the Jamaica women in the gold medal hunt after Round Nine of the 11-round tournament.

Tied for first place in their Category (D) with Paraguay, Sri Lanka and Thailand, Jamaica then met with much stronger opposition Mexico and Scotland in the final two rounds. Although the Jamaican women were overpowered by these final opponents, the performance of the team is to be congratulated given the strength of the opposition they faced during this 43rd Olympiad.

Highlights for the team would have to include a landslide victory against the much higher rated Nigerian Team (4-0), a win against regional rivals Dominican Republic (2.5 to 1.5) where WCM Ariel Barrett clutched the crucial winning point, and a draw against the far higher rated Bangladeshi team which included two Women's International Master (WIM) and two Women's Fide Master (WFM).

Jamaica's participation in the 43rd Chess Olympiad was made possible via sponsorship from the Government of Jamaica through the Sports Development Foundation, the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Jamaica Olympic Association and Magnificent Chess Foundation.