Jamaica’s Titan Squad Returns From Memphis With Three Trophies, Historic Milestones and a Growing Global Reputation

JDA Sets Its Sights on New York as Jamaica’s Elite Continue to Challenge the World’s Best

Jamaica has once again demonstrated that it belongs among the world’s leading Pool Checkers nations.

The Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) has returned from the 57th American Pool Checkers Association (APCA) Annual Tournament, held July 13–16, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee, with another outstanding international campaign—capturing three major trophies, producing historic individual achievements, and further strengthening Jamaica’s reputation on the global stage.

Competing against 68 of the world’s strongest pool checker players from the United States, Kenya, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and beyond, Team Jamaica deliberately concentrated its resources on the tournament’s two highest and most competitive divisions— Top Masters and Masters—rather than entering the lower divisions such as Junior Masters, Gold Bar, and Blue Ribbon.

That strategy once again paid dividends.

What began more than five decades ago as an American championship has evolved into the world’s premier Pool Checkers tournament. Jamaica arrived in Memphis not simply to participate, but to compete with the very best.

JAMAICA’S RESULTS

Top Masters Division (Trophies & Cash – Top 10)

🥇 International Grandmaster Crispin “GOJ” Ojwang (Kenya) – 116 pts (Undefeated)
🥈 International Grandmaster Wayne “Shine” Reid (Jamaica) – 112 pts
🥉 Grandmaster Alfred “East Point” Barnett (USA) – 104 pts
🏆 Jermaine “Titan Tiger” Delattibudiere (Jamaica) – 4th – 94 pts
16th – Mikoyan “Hard Punching Micky” Robinson (Jamaica)

Masters Division (Trophies & Cash – Top 6)

🥇 Stephen Owino (Kenya) – 58 pts
🥈 Ricardo Roach (Jamaica) – 56 pts
🥉 Arthur Johnson (USA) – 36 pts

Jamaica returned home with three trophies despite contesting only the tournament’s two highest divisions—another outstanding achievement against the strongest field assembled in international Pool Checkers.

BUILDING ON A PROUD LEGACY

The Memphis campaign adds another distinguished chapter to Jamaica’s growing APCA legacy.

In 2023, Jamaica produced one of its greatest international performances by capturing four trophies in the prestigious Top Masters Division, with International Grandmaster Wayne Reid winning the championship, Jason Wisdom finishing 2nd, Sudian placing 4th, and Jermaine Delattibudiere securing 6th place.

The 2026 results therefore reinforce what has become a consistent pattern—Jamaica’s elite players are repeatedly challenging for honours in the tournament’s highest division rather than seeking easier success in the lower categories.

HISTORIC MOMENTS FROM MEMPHIS

A Historic Breakthrough: Jermaine “Titan Tiger” Delattibudiere defeated 17-time APCA Top Masters Champion Grandmaster Alfred “East Point” Barnett—becoming the first Jamaican to defeat the legendary American in APCA Top Masters competition. The victory propelled him from three consecutive sixth-place finishes (2023–2025) to a career-best 4th-place finish.

Another World-Class Showing: IGM Wayne “Shine” Reid produced another elite performance, finishing 2nd overall after drawing both eventual champion IGM Crispin GOJ Ojwang and GM Alfred East Point Barnett, once again confirming his place among the world’s finest Pool Checkers players.

Jamaica’s Depth: Ricardo Roach finished just two points shy of the Masters title, earning a well-deserved second place trophy and demonstrating the country’s growing strength beyond its established stars.

Leadership Beyond Competition: While competing in Top Masters, Mikoyan Robinson simultaneously managed vital delegation responsibilities, including logistics, communications, and player welfare, reflecting the professionalism and commitment of the JDA Executive.

JDA Public Relations Officer Lennox Lewis along with his assistant did a wonderful job in helping to broadcast tournament updates in collaboration with JDA President and Vice President.

PROGRESS OFF THE BOARD

While in Memphis, JDA President Jermaine Delattibudiere and Vice President Mikoyan Robinson held productive discussions with a representative of the World Draughts Federation (WDF), building upon Jamaica’s recently secured Provisional Membership and advancing the pathway toward Full Membership.

The delegation also laid the groundwork for participation in the upcoming US Open Checkers Championships in New York this August. However, realizing Jamaica’s full potential will require meaningful sponsorship support.

A GROWING INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

The JDA’s leadership continues to earn respect throughout the international draughts community.

Grandmaster Alfred “East Point” Barnett donated two classical draughts boards to the JDA while commending the Association’s progress and long-term vision.

APCA President Albert Harrison praised President Delattibudiere and the JDA Executive for their leadership, communication, and collaboration, describing the Association as an important partner in helping to deliver one of the most competitive APCA Championships in recent memory.

The JDA also extends sincere appreciation to APCA Executive Team, Memphis Draughts Club, and the Totten Family for their outstanding hospitality.

Special Thanks to all persons who provided support, guidance and assistance to make it possible for the JDA Titans to compete in the 57th Annual APCA Championships.

THE ROAD TO NEW YORK

Momentum now shifts to the US Open Checkers Championships in New York.

Corporate Jamaica now has an opportunity to partner with an organisation that is consistently producing international results while investing in youth development, education, and national pride.

With stronger sponsorship, Jamaica’s players will be better equipped to compete for the sport’s biggest titles without the financial burdens that currently accompany international competition.

 “We are proving that Jamaica belongs among the world’s elite,” said DSP Jermaine Delattibudiere, President of the Jamaica Draughts Association. “Our focus has always been on challenging the strongest players in the highest divisions. Memphis showed once again that we can compete with anyone. With greater support from Corporate Jamaica, we believe our greatest achievements are still ahead.”

Contact Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) :

Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

Telephone: 876-778-2284 & 876-357-8041

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamaicadraughtsassociation/

Website: https://jamaicadraughtsassociation.web.app/

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