Experienced Allan Oyende came from behind to win the 6th leg of Scrabble Kenya meeting that came to an end today at Machakos University Hotel.
The two day event saw Oyende ending the winning ways for Kirinyaga based Patrick Nderitu Gitonga in one of the tough tournaments in the series.
Oyende, who was in third position in the opening day, battled David Njenga and Edgar Odongkara with Njenga and Edgar both registering 8 wins and 2 losses with Oyende having won 7 out of 10.
But that did not deter his fight to the top as he returned on Sunday with superb performance to claim the title.
The experienced Oyende edged out Onani Magwanga and Nderitu to win the coveted Premier title.
He beat Onani with 421 to 360 to win gold after finishing the tournament with 13 wins +1166.
After winning five titles in a row, Nderitu finished second was piped to win as Magwanga from Homa Bay county completed the podium.
“I’m happy for the win and I’m hoping that only great things lie ahead,” said Oyende”
In the Intermediate division, Phillip Mutinda of Kenyatta University had gone unbeaten, 10 – 0.
The Open Division also saw another university student leading the fray. Onyango Oloo, a student in JKUAT, also went unbeaten.
There was some fierce competition in the Intermediate division, with Joseph Karinga of Muranga County and Joel Birgen of Stanchart Bank giving Mutinda a run for his money.
Mutinda however proved an excellent opponent, winning the intermediate title by just 17 spread points.
Joseph Karinga came in second place while Birgen emerged third.
In the Open Division, Onyango Oloo maintained imperious form and went unbeaten, 16-0. He is the first to attain this feat in the history of the new division system.
The Kenyan team is still training hard ahead of the World Scrabble Championship to be held in India later in the year.
Action now shifts to Mombasa on 6th and 7th July.