KHANTY-MANSIYSK, Russia (CMC) – Jamaica’s men posted the English-speaking Caribbean’s only win when they beat Wales 3-1 at the 39th World Chess Olympiad on Monday.
They were propelled by FIDE Master Warren Elliot who beat FIDE Master Richard Jones while International Master Jomo Pitterson and Duane Rowe scored wins over Tim Kett and Alan Bennett of Wales to give Jamaica their points.
Wales clinched their only points when Alan Young beat Russel Porter.
Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, came out on the losing end as they went down to Jersey and South Africa respectively.
While Barbados crashed 2-1/2 – 1-1/2, T&T’s poor run in the tournament continued when they lost 3-1/2 – ½ to the South Africans.
National champion Martyn Del Castilho beat Paul Wojciechowski and International Master Terry Farley drew with Kryzsztof Belzo to score the points for Barbados, while International Master Kevin Denny and FIDE Master Dr Philip Corbin succumbed to losses to Alan Rosenbeiger and Marcin Mazurkiewicz respectively.
T&T, meanwhile, seemed headed for a 4-0 whitewash before FIDE Master Frank Yee drew with International Master Manyedi Johannes.
Cuba continued to be the top of the Caribbean teams, beating Bosnia & Herzegovina 3-1 to move to 15th place with 4½ match points.
In women’s action, Juanita Garnett posted her first win of the competition, checkmating Isawan Srijomtong, as Barbados drew with Thailand.
Jamaica also snatched a draw with Puetro Rico 2-2 tie thanks to FIDE Master Deborah Richards who defeated FIDE Master Choe Segarra.