Ever Green Allan Oyende won 13 matches to claim the Machakos National Scrabble Championships title, maintaining his impressive form ahead of the Africa Scrabble Championships scheduled for later this year.
The Stima Club Grand Master finished strongly with a superior spread of +861, edging out Philip Mutinda and Ian Oyoo after the trio tied on wins with all top three tying on 13 wins and 5 losses.
Oyende started the tournament in dominant fashion, winning his opening eight games against Julius Auka, Onani Magwanga, Gitonga Nderitu, Millie Kikech, Richard Okechi, Michael Gomgolo, Martins Mutahi and Bernard Koyyoko.
The champion said that the win is good that serves as his proper training ahead of PANASA set for October 26th to October 31st in Monrovia, Liberia.
“The victory is good for me as I plan for PANASA next month. We are all up in arms to play well in Monrovia,” said Oyende, who will join 16 others for the journey to West Africa.
His winning run came to an end in the ninth game when he lost to Mutinda. He subsequently suffered another defeat against Ian Oyoo before bouncing back to regain his winning form.
Oyende then defeated Benson Kimanthi and Manase Oyieno before facing Oyoo again. However, Oyoo proved a difficult opponent, handing Oyende further defeats in the 14th and 15th games.
The Stima Club player responded with a victory in the 16th game against Oyoo before claiming another win in the 17th. He completed the tournament strongly with a victory in the 18th game.
The Machakos title further underlines Oyende’s credentials as one of Kenya’s leading Scrabble players. His strong performance and improved spread will boost his confidence as he prepares to represent Kenya at the continental championships later this year.
Premier Round 18 Standings
| Rank | Won-Lost | Spread | New Rating | Player | Last Game |
| 1 | 13–5 | +861 | 1941 | Oyende, Allan (GM) (A1) | 2W:470-377:A17 |
| 2 | 13–5 | +724 | 1784 | Mutinda, Philip (A13) | 2W:445-427:A7 |
| 3 | 13–5 | +71 | 1730 | Oyoo, Ian (A17) | 1L:377-470:A1 |
| 4 | 11–7 | +745 | 1831 | Gongolo, Michael (EXP) (A3) | 1W:435-391:A2 |
| 5 | 11–7 | +239 | 1668 | Ochola, Tony (A15) | 2W:347-342:A8 |
| 6 | 11–7 | +183 | 1779 | Mutahi, Martins (A7) | 1L:427-445:A13 |
| 7 | 11–7 | +38 | 1779 | Nderitu, Gitonga (GM) (A5) | 1W:477-361:A18 |
| 8 | 10–8 | +773 | 1818 | Okechi, Richard (A2) | 2L:391-435:A3 |
| 9 | 10–8 | +586 | 1785 | Koyyoko, Bernard (A4) | 1W:497-358:A26 |
| 10 | 10–8 | +236 | 1734 | Otieno, Manase (A8) | 1L:342-347:A15 |
Intermediate Round 18 Standings
| Rank | Won-Lost | Spread | New Rating | Player | Last Game |
| 1 | 15–3 | +1157 | 1224 | Omondi, Alexander (B12) | 2W:375-324:B21 |
| 2 | 13–5 | +647 | 1323 | Birgen, Joel (B1) | 1W:394-378:B17 |
| 3 | 12–6 | +891 | 1236 | Aluha, Zawadi (B2) | 1W:482-427:B9 |
| 4 | 11–7 | +893 | 1085 | Kithinji, George (B17) | 2L:378-394:B1 |
| 5 | 11–7 | +688 | 1163 | Nyamai, Jacob (B7) | 1W:516-366:B6 |
| 6 | 11–7 | +628 | 1128 | Eremon, Stefane (B9) | 2L:427-482:B2 |
| 7 | 11–7 | +612 | 1184 | Mokaya, Charles (B3) | 2W:458-291:B18 |
| 8 | 11–7 | −10 | 1056 | Muli, Silvanus (B15) | 1W:498-407:B30 |
| 9 | 11–7 | −133 | 1170 | Nguli, Robert (B6) | 2L:366-516:B7 |
| 10 | 10–8 | +164 | 1079 | Isoe, Robert (B11) | 2W:459-437:B29 |
Open Round 16 Standings
| Rank | Won-Lost | Spread | New Rating | Player | Last Game |
| 1 | 14–2 | +1199 | 1040 | Wanyonyi, Ethan (C42) | 2W:404-300:C11 |
| 2 | 12–4 | +960 | 734 | Muli, Antony (C5) | 2W:382-376:C1 |
| 3 | 12–4 | +732 | 743 | Tombo, Gaudencia (C3) | 2W:411-318:C14 |
| 4 | 11–5 | +943 | 749 | Kagichu, Peter (C1) | 1L:376-382:C5 |
| 5 | 11–5 | +635 | 599 | Gitonga, Collins (C17) | 1W:355-310:C30 |
| 6 | 11–5 | +377 | 654 | Wairimu, Frida (C14) | 1L:318-411:C3 |
| 7 | 11–5 | +352 | 838 | Njoroge, Joseph (C37) | 1W:383-366:C6 |
| 8 | 10–6 | +1102 | 756 | Mwangi, Melvin (C30) | 2L:310-355:C17 |
| 9 | 10–6 | +695 | 812 | Kelvin, Righa (C22) | 2W:426-396:C28 |
| 10 | 10–6 | +616 | 772 | Kigoh, Kenton (C23) | 1W:413-326:C39 |