BARBADOS’ JACK is looking to become the king of United States draughts.
Reigning Barbados National Draughts Go-As-You-Please champ Jack Francis has his sights set on toppling the status quo when the United States National Three Move Restriction Tournament in Springfield, Illinois, gets underway in two months.
Finishing fifth at his last showing two years ago, Francis believes he has what it takes to unseat the top three – rival Ronald “Suki” King, reigning king Alex Moiseyev and American Richard Hallet – and figures to settle for nothing lower than third.
“Moiseyev, Suki and Halley are definitely the best Three Move Restriction players in the world and they’ve been the most dominant at this tournament, which is also the toughest in the world,” said Francis of his expected uphill climp.
“They’ve been sharing that title for the last decade or so but I think that it is time that the cake needs to be cut. And Jack Francis is the most fitting person to split that cake right now.”
A former British Open winner and current Florida Open Go-As-You-Please champ, Francis is not just seeking the title for personal glory, but rather for training ahead of the World Three Move Qualifying event, slated for October.
The winner of this qualifying event will get the opportunity to challenge Moiseyev for the World Three Move title – a title which Francis would love to bring back to Barbados.
“There are very limited opportunities available in Barbados where preparation is concerned considering the majority of players here play Go-As-You-Please,” conceded Francis.
“But I think my ability is so special that I can play across the board, so I should find it easy coming to grips with Three Move Restriction.” (JM)
