BNN Breaking News: The Ides of March - an auspicious choice of day for Jennie Jaggs to enter her first ever tournament play at the Dice Arena in Beijing last night. Both competitors, still in Beijing after the MacIntosh-Urogdy nailbiter Friday night, elected to avoid extensive travel and stay put for the rare, Monday night tilt.
The tourney, an abbreviated 7-pointer (IBC's latest marketing ploy to attract new fans), got off to a later-than-planned start due to unforeseen culinary issues concerning Jaggs’ pre-game nutrition plan, but delay or not, opponent Molly Mac was ready to tear out of the gates with her infamous “hot-hot-hot” dice.
Pouncing on the visibly nervous Jenn, MacIntosh took the first game of the tournament in one-sided victory, gammoning Jageler for the 2-0 lead. Although stunned, Jageler regained some composure, blaming the lateness of the pre-game meal. “I really needed my soup,” Jenn told BNN's Barbara Bearoff after play recessed for the evening. “It is important to feed the body properly before any competition,” she explained. MacIntosh, appearing to need nothing but the bubbly, declined to comment on its nutritional value.
Jenn found steady ground and managed a win in the second game of tournament play, gaining confidence. She was heard summoning the backgammon Gods, speaking into her dice cup, “double threes, I am calling you up!”
Jennie Jaggs did suffer a second gammon to MacIntosh, but her growing confidence did not waiver. The up-and-coming player seemed to receive messages from the backgammon Gods. She was overheard telling her husband, watching remotely from spring training, after the recess, “It was like someone was whispering in my ear - trying to steady me - and reminding me ‘the cube wields power, use the cube!’” And use the cube she did! MollyMac, only slightly behind in the pip count accepted Jaggs’ offer to double and, much to Molly's chagrin, the up-and-comer Jenn spoke into her dice cup again, “calling up” fours, and cementing the victory and closing the gap (down just 5-4).
The emotional outcome of this game took a toll on the rookie competitor. MacIntosh won the next game and the Crawford light was illuminated in Dice Arena.... 6-4.
Clearly unaccustomed to the grueling nature of tournament play, Jennie Jaggs’ pure exhaustion did not go unnoticed by her fans or Molly Mac and, in the waning hours of work week Monday, the two opponents agreed to recess for the night. When the match resumes, Molly will need to win one of two for the tourney victory win while Jaggs will need two in a row to upset the favorite.
BNN's Chip Checker asked Molly about her agreement to the unusual request for recess. MacIntosh gloated, “I am not at all worried about this break in play interrupting my winning mo-jo. In fact, I plan to keep my dice hot by looking for another worthy opponent during the break in play.” Commenting on the quality of her opponent she stated, “Jennie Jaggs is a good player. I see her potential. Playing her reminded me of my early days in the sport when I was learning the ropes. Experienced players can be intimidating, and, although I did not hold back on serving the coffee, I think it was a fair decision to let her regroup and deliver her strongest effort.”
MacIntosh, not always known for gracious play, seemed to have a special connection to the rookie. When will the two resume play? The competitors have not decided, but certainly, the fans are clamoring with anticipation to see the outcome of Jaggs’ first tourney. Will Jennie Jaggs come from a long break to turn off Crawford? Look towards the weekend for posted results.
Gossip Superstar Kelly Kibitz hinted today on her morning show "Double Jeopardy" that JohnnyU may be back at the Dice Center tonight to avenge his loss to Mac which took place earlier in the week. JohnnyU's "Eastern" consultant, Lo Mein Left, told Kelly, that JU was still in China this week, extracting yen from the pockets of the Chinese high rollers. "Crazy American cause much havoc dark part town. Take so many dollar.. Cop Blot and Big Dog help JU escape, no harm."
Angry Mob threatening US Backgammon Player in Beijing
Photo Courtesy of Pip Shutter
BOX News- Wire: Justin Rolls reporting:
JAGGS WILL CHEAT TO WIN? DON"T COUNT ON IT?
In an exclusive interview with Jagg's husband, he is quoted as saying, "Jenn cheats". Jenn’s demure response: "I’m just dumb - I can’t count". MacIntosh response: "cheat all you want - the dice will exact justice".
We will be watching her moves closely!
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