Grand Master Allan Oyende managed to win all his games today to win Geeks’ title, the opening leg of Scrabble Kenya National tournament that came to an end today in a Nairobi Hotel.
Despite finishing 8th in day one yesterday, Oyende was the surprise winner winning 13 out of 18 games in the opening leg, in the two day tournament which also serves as the World English Scrabble Players Language Scrabble Players Association Championships (WESPAC) set for Accra Ghana in November.
With only six players set to reporesnet the country at the global stage, Oyende said that composure will be key to ensure that he earns more points for the show.
“Yesterday, I managed to play my average but today, I had to compose myself, remained patient to clinch the title. It was not easy but I had to work my way out,” said Oyende.
Oyended collected 1105 points with second position going to Francis Wachira, who won six out of 18 on 547 points as day one leader and Kiambu tournament champion Bernard Koyyoko settled for third position after winning 12 out of 18 collecting 404 points.
“It is good to win in the first event of the calendar on the calendar and because this is a WESPAC qualifying round, it gives me an upper hand. This is the 5th qualifying round out of 9,” he said.
Leaderboard after final round
- Allan Oyende (13-5)
- Francis Wachira (12-6)
- Bernard Koyyoko (12-6)
- Richard Okechi (12-6)
- David Kimani (111/2- 61/2)
- EXP Michael Gongolo (11-7)
- Mutua Ngundi (11-7)
- GM Nderitu Gitonga (101/2-71/2)
- Daniel Machanje (101/2-71/2)
- Raphael Oduor (10-8)