Bernard Koyyoko has admitted that he played under pressure as a defending champion to retain Bondo title, the Scrabble Kenya tournament that came to an end today.
Koyyoko, also the Kiambu title winner in January said that playing against Grand Masters like Allan Oyende and Gitonga Nderitu was not an easy game.
“Coming here, I was under pressure, one as defending champion then two, playing against top players, which I managed to stick to my words to victory. So I had to relax and trust in the wording,” said Koyyoko.
As part of Pan Africa Scrabble Association (PANASA) qualifiers, Koyyoko said that he is working hard to make the continental team later in the year.
“Such tournaments are crucial for us because me and other players are working hard to make the team for the championships. For us to make, we have to play tournaments since the team will be chosen from the best four tournaments played,” added Koyyoko after recording the second victory of the season and defending the title.
The champion won 14 out of 18 games he played in the two days that started off yesterday morning to today afternoon.
He started well with four victories against Daniel Machanje, Martins Mutahi, Tony Ochola and Onani Magwanga before losing the first game to Oyende. He also lost game 8 to Nderitu.
Top ten finishers
- Bernard Koyyoko
- Allan Oyende
- Nderitu Gitonga
- Philip Mutinda
- Michael Gongolo
- Onani Magwanga
- Martins Mutahi
- Richard Okechi
- Fred Magu
- Manase Otieno