The 27 year long wait for a national title came to an end as Homabay’s Onani Magwanga was crowned the champion of the 3rd leg of Scrabble Kenya Grand Prix tournament.
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Magwanga who last won the title in 1991 brought down the curtains with a win at the Machakos University Conference Centre ahead of 2019 World English-language Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC).
Then called Kenya Amateur Scrabble Association (KACA), Magwanga was in the Kenya team that won silver medal at the Pan Africa Scrabble Assoc ion (PASA) in 2016.
The Homabay player won back to back KACA in 1990and 1991 when the association was first registered in Kenya.
He defeated Tobia Outi as Word Warriors, the National Scrabble team is using the Grand Prix to select a formidable WESPAC team.
“I won the title for two years consecutively where I was selected to represent Kenya during the world championships in New York City together with Patrick Nderitu Gitonga and I am happy to back again,” said Magwanga.
In 1990, the Kenya Amateur Scrabble Association was registered and held the first tournament in Nairobi and Magangwa as a a teacher emerged as the national champion.
“Even though I won the title, it was a stiff competition especially from Outi who managed to lead with five matches to go. For me to win the title, I made sure I win the remaining three matches, which I did. The young boy is so talented and has a good future in scrabble,” added Magwanga.
Magwanga of Homabay emerged victorious pipping Outi 356-346 in the final round of the 18 rounds..
With a 2 way tie on 13 wins, Nyeri’s Charles Kariuki managed to outspread Outi for 2nd
Top seed Allan Oyende was 4th with Antony Kirori of Kiambu County closing the top 5.
In the open division, Andrew Wabwire of Kenyatta University was in imperious form closing day 1 undefeated and held his nerve against returning veteran Charles Mokaya to earn automatic promotion to the premier division.