Scrabble Kenya Grand Master Allan Oyende will lead other top players at today’s Scrabble Kenya, Mombasa Championships as part of their training ahead of Africa Scrabble Championships (ASC).
Oyende who leads the log with 1934 points will be joined by Bernard Koyyoko, Richard Okechi, Bernard Amuke, Manase Otieno, Francis wachira, Stanley Njoroge, Kipruto Tarus, Onani Magwanga and David Kimani that were selected by the federation to represent the country at ASC set for October 23-27 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
“This will be a very critical event for and any other player who is in Kenya team. Right now, we are going to Mombasa with aim of improving on our skills as part of preparations for the continental championships,” said Oyende.
The man, who won the Bondo tournament a month ago, will be hoping to record back to back victories to remain on top of the table after losing the East, Central and Southern Africa Scrabble Championships title to his rival Patrick Nderitu Gitonga.
“I am hoping that I will perform well in Mombasa. With less than 100 days to the ASC, I need to be above board to top the continent, which is not easy at all. That needs sacrifice, dedication and determination to scale the heights,” he said.
The Stima Club member said that he will travel to Mombasa on Thursday evening ahead of the tournament that starts on Saturday to Sunday in a two day battle of wits
“I want to be there on time to avoid the last minute rush and end up panicking. This is a good opportunity to engage my brains at all times to bring out the best that I know and it is provides a good learning curve in the sport,” he added.
He reiteredted that he wants to remain on top of the table in the remaining tournaments like Kisii in August, Machakos in September, Kisumu (October), Nyahururu (November) and concluding in Kiambu come December.
“I expect to remain on top and playing hard for victory. Hoping to do well because I am well prepared but all is known at the play ground,” he said.