Imperious Patrick Nderitu Gitonga edged out Michael Gongolo on point difference to win the Kenya National Scrabble opening tournament that came to an end on Sunday at Standard Chartered headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi.
After finishing in the second position in opening day, Ndeiru started the second day on high, winning 13 out of 18 with a spread of +1252 to start the year on a high note with Gongolo in second position with a spread of +876 with similar 13 wins.
He relegated round one leader Francis Wachira who led day one with 7.5 wins as Michael Gongolo finished second on point difference as David Njenga completed the podium with 12.5 wins with a spread of +316 as 4th position was won by Litunya from Machakos County with 12 points +823 while francis Wachira, the day one leader was 5th with 11.5 wins.
Joel Birgen was the intermediate winners with 15 wins ahead of Francis Gichu from MMUST who won 13 games, and the title of best student.
Bronze went to Edwin Kiplangat who also had 13 wins. Fourth place went to Frederick Gitagia while Cosmas Mochere closed the podium.
The Open Division Michael Nganga emerged victorious with a total 16 wins, starting the year with an unbeaten record as Melonie Karia took silver with 11 wins while Faith Kabia of JKUAT won bronze.
High game went to Patrick Litunya with a total of 636 against Tony Ochola.
Most improved rating went to Ivan Sentongo, Jack Githaiga and Faith Kabia.