Scrabble Kenya has selected fifteen players to represent the country at the World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPAC) Youth Cup to be held in Malaysia in November.
Following the successful weekend Youth tournament at MPESA foundation academy where 216 students competed for the top positions, Linus Oduor was the winner with a 12.5-1.5 +2125.
The St. Mathias Boys student won the national qualifiers title held over the weekend to achieve the match awaited title for the much-awaited championships. He relegated St. Mary Burumba student Japheth Wandera to second in 12-2 +983 before his school mate Ian Otieno completed the podium in 11.5-2.5 +1358.
Odour pipped Wandera in the final game to emerge the winner as Otieno won bronze with Francis Matati from Kamusinga was 4th with Rejoice Njoroge from Kahuhia being the best girl at the tournament in 6th place.
At the school category, Moi Mbiruiri defeated defending champions St Mary’s Kitale to win the overall title.
After representing the country at the World Youth Cup in Malaysia last years as top schools like Alliance High, Mugoiri Girls, Mpesa Foundation Academy, Moi Mbiruiri and Friends school Kamusinga were well represented.
Moi Mbiruiri emerged the best with an aggregate team average of 107 wins followed by Kabare Girls as Kahuhia girls took bronze.
Scrabble Kenya chairman Bernard Amuoka was optimistic that the juniors will perform well at the championships.
“I take this opportunity to appreciate all the teams that participated, it’s through you that the tourney was a success and this time round it was simpler to run than the previous years. Competition is becoming stiff and it’s your commitment that has earned you the best award. Let’s now prepare intensely for the WESPA Youth Cup in Malaysia. We must beat Nigeria and Thailand,” said Amuoka.
Selected team for WESPAC Youth Cup
1. Linus Oduor (St. Mathias Boys)-12.5-1.5 +2125
2. Japheth Wandera (St. Mary’s Burumba)-12-2 +983
3. Ian Otieno (St. Mary’s Burumba)- 11.5-2.5 +1358
4. Francis Mutuma (Kamusinga)- 11-3 +1544
5. Joshua Baraza (St. Mathias Boys)-11-3 +932
6. Rejoice Rejoice (Kabare)- 11-3 +605
7. Kobia Benmoffart (Moi Mbiruri)- 11-3 +549
8. Joseph Karuga (Moi Mbiruri)- 11-3 +428
9. Victor Mutugi (Moi Mbiruri)- 11-3 +69
10. Priscilla Nduku (Mpesa Foundation)- 10.5-3.5 +548
11. Angela Wachira (Kahuhia Girls)-10.5-3.5 +322
12. Esther Muturi 10-4 +1421
13. Victoria Muthoni (Kahuhia)- 10-4 +863
14. Margaret Maina (Kabare)- 10-4 +720
15. Linnet Njeri (Mugoiri) 10-4 +683