ISSA becomes youngest Jamaica Inn Foundation champion in history

JOHN ISSA created local backgammon history at Jamaica Inn Foundation’s open last weekend, going unbeaten in 15 consecutive games over two nights on the way to becoming the youngest-ever dual champion of the eight-year tournament.

Issa, 17, not only beat William Mahfood, 9-4, in Saturday’s final but also won Friday’s warm-up tournament, taking the seeded division, the first time any player had won the double at the annual benefit for the White River Fish Sanctuary.

“I was very lucky,” said Issa, a student at American International School of Kingston.

“There was a time I had to roll a 6-2, or else I would have probably lost the game. I ended up getting the 6-2. At that point he was on three and I had one point,” Issa recalled, playing Mahfood, who was touted as favourite by last year’s champion, Mitta Rousseau.

“There was one big game, worth four points, in which I was able to squeeze through. I offered the cube to him so it went to two and he offered back to me at four. Later, I offered him at eight and he rejected so I ended up winning four points. That brought the score to 5-4 or 5-3 in my favour then I had to work for the other points,” Issa pointed out

On being crowned the youngest and first-time champion of both nights, Issa, said years spent playing against his father, Joey Issa, paid off.

“It feels great. To win both tournaments in one weekend was a great experience. I have been playing my dad since age six. It has been a long time coming.”

Kyle Mais, managing director, Jamaica Inn, and director, Jamaica inn Foundation, said the weekend’s tournament was not only history-making but also a breakout for younger players such as Issa, a point endorsed by the champion, who won US$2,500, a three-night stay at Jamaica Inn, a Club VIP Red Card and a customised backgammon board.

“It’s good to see more young people,” said Issa. I specifically remember three years ago, it was all older players, 40 and over.

“It was more intimidating being the only young person. Now, it’s more young people, which feels great,” he added.

First through third place all won backgammon boards, Mahfood bagging US$1,000 as runner-up plus a two-night stay at Jamaica Inn and a Club VIP Blue card. Frank Hart pocketed US$750 for third spot as well as two Club VIP bundled arrival and departure services.

Encouraging schools to form backgammon clubs, Issa dismissed the myth that the board game, which originated in Turkey, is a leisure for society’s upper-crust.

“That’s like saying chess, or checkers, is a rich person’s sport. Backgammon is really glorified ludi (ludo). If backgammon is a rich person’s sport, ludi is also a rich person’s sport,” said Issa, encouraging “more young people to get out there and play”.

Mais hailed Desmond Mair Insurance Brokers as first-time title sponsors, joined by Tourism Enhancement Fund, Wisynco, Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty, SelectBrands, Jewels & Time, Worthy Park Select, Bijoux, evergo, Spanish Court Hotel, Nations Choice, Hot Off the Press, Chukka, Jamaica Inn, dreadyworld, BCMG Insurance Brokers, Couples Resorts, CPJ, and Jamaica Tourist Board.

The tournament benefits the White River Fish Sanctuary, a ‘no-fishing’ zone of 370 acres, approximately three and a half miles of coastline from St Ann to St Mary, established by the Jamaica Inn Foundation working with the area’s fishers’ association.