Posted June 10, 2016 at 2:45 p.m.
Jones recognized as 2016 Texas State Champion checkers tournament
The Texas State and District 8 Open Checker Tournament was held the first weekend in June at Baymont Inn and Suites in Carthage.
Elbert Jones from Carthage, Texas, played an outstanding tournament and was recognized as the 2016 Texas State Champion and District 8 Champion.CM Albert Tucker from Minden, La. and Larry Pollard from Brilliant, Ala., tied for 1st place and won the tournament. However, not being a Texas resident or from District 8, the title goes to the next contestant that is the highest finishing State resident and the District 8 title to the highest finishing District 8 player. Jones was awarded a 2016 Texas State Championship trophy and ACF District 8 Championship plaque. Watson Franks, of Vidor, TX, and Lester Binnick, of Houston, finished the tournament in 4th and 5th place respectively.
A decision was made to play five rounds of Round-Robin as the tournament format with a two point bye. The winners received cash prizes ranging from $30 to $75. This is the first state tournament Elbert Jones has won thus far. "We were glad to see the championship brought to Carthage for the first time ever," Jones said. "Checkers are not nearly as popular as it was 40 years ago, so it would be great to see our youth taking an interest in the grand old game."
2016 Tournament Dates | 2016 Texas - District 8 Results | Articles