Star players vie for top prizes in Diri National Scrabble tourney

Former World and African champions are among top Nigerian players that will slug it out at the third edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship. The two-day event to be hosted by the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA) in Yenagoa, the state capital, is slated for July 8 and 9 at the DSP […]

Star players vie for top prizes in Diri National Scrabble tourney

Former World and African champions are among top Nigerian players that will slug it out at the third edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship.

The two-day event to be hosted by the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA) in Yenagoa, the state capital, is slated for July 8 and 9 at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall.

The tournament serves as the final preparation for the Nigerian contingent for the World Scrabble Championship to be held in the United States from July 15.

Expected to participate in the Masters category are former world champion, Wellington Jighere, current African champion, Enoch Nwali, his compatriot and defending champion of the tournament, Nsikak Etim among other top-rated players such as Emmanuel Umujose, Eta Karo as well as Oshevire Avwenaghagha, who won in the first edition.

Chairman of the BYSA, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the readiness to host the third edition with over 300 players from across the country expected to participate.

He stated that this edition would be more competitive as only four categories would feature, namely masters, opens, veterans and students from Bayelsa secondary schools.

“The Bayelsa Scrabble Association is ready for the third edition of the Governor’s National Scrabble Championship. Preparations are in top gear to deliver a hitch-free championship,” he said.

“The star prize remains N500,000 for the winner of the Master’s category. There are also prizes for top winners in the other categories and up to 50 consolation prizes.