Timur Gareyev captures JNBS UWI Masters

By Zachary Ramsay, UWI Chess Society

Uzbek grandmaster Timur Gareyev from the University of Texas in Brownsville completed his domination of the JNBS UWI Masters when he defeated Jamaican FIDE Master Jomo Pitterson at the Assembly Hall, University of the West Indies Mona, Jamaica. He collected a total of eight points from nine games, thus gaining the title of Caribbean Collegiate Champion.

David Mullings, Manager of eChannels and Discount Business of the Jamaica National Building Society, makes the first move on the game between GM Gareyev (right) and IM Margvelashvili (left), while Dr. Thelora Reynolds, the Director of Student Services (UWI, Mona) looks on

Gareyev (left) collects his prize for Caribbean Collegiate Champion from David Mullings,
Manager of eChannels and Discount Business of the Jamaica National Building Society

GM elect Giorgi Margvelashvili from the University of Maryland in Baltimore County, and IM Marko Zivanic from the University of Texas in Dallas followed in second and third place respectively, with 7.5 and 6.5 points. National Master Shane Matthews of Jamaica, placed an impressive fourth, after securing a well-fought draw with IM Margvelashvili.

IM Margvelashvili (left) collects his prize for second place

IM Zivanic (left) collects his prize for third place

Marcus Joseph, the National Champion of Trinidad and Tobago and a student of the UWI St. Augustine campus, made an exciting comeback when he defeated both Jamaica’s top players, FM Warren Elliott and Swedish FM Bengt Hammar.

• Click to download the games in PGN

Daren Wisdom captured the UWI Open Championship, after placing ahead of National Master Mark Holness on tiebreak, after both had finished on five points. UWI’s National Master Damion Davy, captured third place in the UWI Open Championship with 4.5 points, after splitting the point in a very close encounter with long-time rival National Master Russell Porter.

Daren Wisdom (left) is the UWI Open Champion 2010

In other sections, over two hundred participants sparred for the sectional titles. Lawrence Foreman and Justin Lowe won the Under 12 section, while Shreyas Smith captured the Under 16 section, all on perfect scores. Rachel Miller, Elias Issa and Aldeam Facey were victorious in the Beginners section.

Chancellor Hall (UWI), led by National Master Damion Davy, dominated the Inter-hall Chess Competition, when they flanked Rex Nettleford Hall 3-0 in the finals; this after turning back top seeds Preston Hall.

Marcus Joseph, the National Champion of Trinidad and Tobago (far left) tackles National Master Shane Matthews of Jamaica, while National Master Geoffrey Byfield (far right) puts up a fight against International Master Margvelasvhili

The Open Sections, in which over 200 participants in age groups and skill levels

The tournament was organized by the UWI Chess Society, of the University of the West Indies Mona, Jamaica; and was designed to promote chess both at the university and national level. President of the UWI Chess Society, Zachary Ramsay said he was “proud of the involvement of the young chess players” and sees the second staging of this tournament as being in keeping with the mandate of the Society as they seek to incorporate chess into the culture of the University and improve the intellectual drive and capacity of its students while striving to challenge a new generation of Caribbean chess players.

GM Timur Gareyev gives a simultaneous exhibition

Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the improvement of the National Children's Home, the Society’s outreach project. The event was sponsored by the Office of the Principal, UWI, Mona, The Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), American Airlines, The Gleaner, National Commercial Bank, Pages Café and Supreme Ventures.

Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios, another popular tourist attraction that the participants
visited; guests have the opportunity to swim with and touch dolphins

International participants enjoying a drink of coconut water

NM Malaku Lorne displaying his fancy footwork in a recreational football game

Video impressions of the event

About the University of the West Indies Mona

The University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica was established in 1948 as a college of the University of London. It gained full University status in 1962. The Mona Campus, located in Northern Kingston, encompasses 653 acres of land formerly part of two large sugar estates, Papine and Mona. Scattered throughout the campus are the famous historic ruins of a Roman-style aqueduct, water wheel, and other remnants of the sugar works which once stood on the site.

Arial view of Mona Campus – explore in the above frame or in a larger map

The campus is nestled in a lush valley embraced by Long Mountain to the south and the southernmost peaks of the famous Blue Mountain Range to the North. Mona is perhaps one of the most scenic areas in Greater Kingston, with the surrounding mountains providing a verdant backdrop which enhances the serene atmosphere of the campus.

The Annex building at the University of the West Indies Mona

The Chapel at the University, which displays beautiful historic architecture

• University home page