2 months ago
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MITTA ROUSSEAU, who rallied from 4-6 down to beat Luke Roberts 9-7 in last year’s thrilling finale of Jamaica Inn Foundation’s seventh annual backgammon tournament, won’t be around to defend his title this weekend but has given his blessings to “all players”, touting William Mahfood as his favourite for the June 13-15 event.
The main fundraiser for the White River Fish Sanctuary, Jamaica Inn Foundation’s annual backgammon tournament, has Desmond Mair Insurance Brokers as title sponsor for its eighth staging.
“I am wishing all the participants the best of luck. May the best player win,” said Rousseau.
“However, my choice is William Mahfood. I am tipping William to win in my absence,” he added, pointing out that Mahfood might not have done well last year but “backgammon is a dice game” in which luck can turn a match on its head.
Rousseau certainly had Lady Luck on his shoulders last year, clinching a semifinal victory against 2023 champion, Montego Bay’s Adrian Armstrong in a Kingston-MoBay rivalry.
After joining Roberts at 6-6 in their battle to nine games in the final, Rousseau’s use of the doubling cube, giving his opponent the choice to concede a game or play to the end – at the risk of the match being counted as two games – won him his first title after falling at three finals in previous years.
Roberts had inched ahead 7-6 but Rousseau offered the cube to tie the match at 7-7, using a similar play to go 8-7 up before taking the final game at the end.
“You’re never out of the game at 4-6 down but, ultimately, “the luck of the dice has a lot to do with it,” he emphasised.
At April’s launch, Kyle Mais, managing director, Jamaica Inn, and director, Jamaica inn Foundation, welcomed Desmond Mair Insurance Brokers as title sponsor.
“We are delighted to have Desmond Mair Insurance Broker as our title sponsor. Their commitment to community and environmental sustainability aligns beautifully with our mission to protect Jamaica’s marine treasures.”
Gregory Mair, managing director, Desmond Mair Insurance Brokers, said making the leap from sponsor to title sponsor reinforces the firm’s “commitment to impactful community partnerships and environmental stewardship”.
“We are honoured to support the Jamaica Inn Open Backgammon Tournament. This event is a wonderful blend of sport and purpose. We are proud to help protect Jamaica’s natural environment,” Mair added.
Friday’s warm-up matches will be divided into seeded and non-seeded sections, followed by Saturday’s main tournament and Sunday’s leisure day.
Among the sponsors for Jamaica Inn Foundation’s eighth annual backgammon tournament are 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 six years ago by the Jamaica Inn Foundation working with the area’s fishers’ association.
Jamaica Inn Foundation, alongside the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica, also stages the annual Swim to the Sanctuary, benefiting the White River Fish Sanctuary in continued efforts to protect and restore the area’s reefs, as well as engage and educate local fisherfolk to effectively preserve the local fish stock.
English (US) ·