After the completion of the 2002 New Years Open (NYO), the first tournament in the Jamaica Chess Grand Prix Series, Markland Douglas holds the top position in the Grand Prix. Douglas, who was amongst five individuals tied for second on three points at the end of the NYO, came out ahead on tie-break, which earned him 120 Grand Prix Points (GPP) for second place. Douglas also earned 40 bonus points for his victory against Humphrey Gayle who is rated 200 points over him.

In second place is the winner of the NYO, Peter Myers on 150 GPP, followed by Equitable Brown who, in addition to 100 points earned from his third place finish in the NYO also earned 40 bonus points for his victory over National Master Shane Matthews who is rated over 200 points above him.

Lurking in 4th position is ‘OPEN GURU,’ Russel Porter who usually does extremely well in the Open Tournaments. In fifth is the newest Journeyman Howard Wilson who hails from Clarendon. Wilson earned the top GPP prize in the Under 1400 section of 80 GPP.

Also of note is the low ranking of National Master Shane Matthews who found himself at the losing end of some sharp tactics in the penultimate round against Equitable Brown.

REMEMBER THE MAIN PRIZE FOR THE WINNER OF THE GRAND PRIX IS FREE ENTRY TO ALL TOURNAMENTS IN 2003.

THE NEXT TOURNAMENT IN GRAND PRIX SERIES IS THE 2002 EASTER OPEN !!

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