The fourth annual Straw-berry Hill High Stakes Backgammon tournament concluded last weekend with tournament director Alastair Macbeath defeating Wisynco boss, William Mahfood, 15-13 in a tense and thrilling final.

Macbeath and Mahfood were amongst 20 players competing for the US$20,000 in cash & prizes. Pre-tournament favourite and defending champion Chiva Tafazzoli, President of the World Backgammon Association, was taken out in the early rounds but recovered to win the 'Lost Souls' consolation event. Greg McLure defeated Johnny Todd for the third spot, with Todd claiming fourth Mike Hirst and Lennie Chen shared fifth and sixth between them.

Commanding lead

In the final to 15 points, Macbeath established a commanding 11-5 lead and looked set to romp home easily but Mahfood staged a magnificent fightback to edge ahead 13-11. However, Macbeath found the strength to withstand this late onslaught and gammoned Mahfood to squeeze past the post 15-13 and claim his second lien on the trophy.

Great prizes

For his efforts Macbeath took home J$315,000, a return trip to London courtesy of Virgin Atlantic and a weekend for two at The Caves, courtesy of Island Outpost. Mahfood won J$180,000 , a weekend for two at Gee Jam courtesy Of Island Outpost and a J$25,000 gift certificate from Eye Q Optical.

Players from Germany, Mexico, North America and Jamaica competed against each other over the two-day tournament staged at the beautiful Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa. Players and guests were feted over the weekend with sponsors, Wray and Nephew (Chivas 12 & Appleton Estate), Blackwell Rum, Heineken and Best Dressed Chicken ensuring everyone was well taken care of.

Other sponsors of the three-day event included Scotia Private Client Group, Eurostar Motors, Wisynco, Aducci cigars and IYA.