It was Emmanuel Umujose who made hay in the “Sunshine State’ as he grabbed 9 wins with a +575 cumulative points in the opening 11 rounds to stay top in the 2024 South -West Scrabble Open Tournament playing out in Akure, Ondo State on Saturday.
The Delta State board strategist had his first stay at the top of the chart in round 6 before he was toppled by Abdulmumin Jimoh and the defending champion Cyril Umebiye after they won their respective games in round 7.
He however, found his footing in the next round to reclaim the top spot after he defeated Emmanuel Enyi 513-407 while Jimoh and Umebiye fell to Nwali and Ibukun Faloye 520-504, 450-403 respectively.
He would consolidate his position with back-to-back victories over Faloye and Khaleel Adedeji in round 10 and 11.
Sitting in second, third, fourth and fifth on the log are former African Champion Enoch Nwali (CC), African Games Side-event winner John Aiyedun (GM), Jimoh and Umebiye. All four secured 8 wins and 3 defeats but were separated by different cumulative points of 980, 915, 621 and 572.
Five players; Hakeem Olaribigbe, Khaleel Adedeji, Faloye, Okpakpor Obaro including the current African champion Timilehin Doko recorded 7 wins with 4 defeats each but were separated by varying cumulative points.
The rich-cast of top players at the Imperial Boni Hotel and Resorts Ijapo generated some excitements in the playing hall.
Four more round of games will be played on the final day of the tournament while the King Of The Hill (KOTH) format has been adopted as the 3rd SWSOT hits it’s final note.
Meanwhile, South -West coordinator on the Nigeria Scrabble Federation Emmanuel Egbele commended players who turned up for the third instalment for their dedication and willingness to develop their talents by competing with players especially those who had just returned from the African Championship.
Credit: Tayo Ogunseye
