Dokun Esan from Osun state became the first-ever winner of the Emmanuel Egbele Annual Scrabble Tournament (EEAST) after emerging as the “King of the Hill” at the two-day competition held over the weekend in Lagos.
In a tournament filled with a rich cast of top Jammers which included one World Champion, three African Champions and national champions, expectations were high on a full dose scrabble artistry.
Esan however, shocked all by outplaying “Day- One Champion”; Okemuite Tega, twice, on Table One to finish with 13 wins and three defeats to claim the top cash prize of 150,000 naira as well as other additional prizes after 16 rounds.
2015 World champion Wellington Jighere edged Okemuite to nick the second position with a higher cumulative of 1533 after both ended the tournament with a 12-4 result.
His efforts earned him a cash prize of 100,000 naira while Okemuite got 75,000 naira for placing third.
One of the highpoints of the tournament was a 9-pointer move made by 2019 World No.4 Enoch Nwali, who hit his rival, Prince Omosefe with a single high score of 294 after spelling ‘SLEAZIER’ in Round 11.
In other spot placements, Ogedegbe Olawale won the Best Intermediate title, Adebisi Adekansi was ajudged the Best Female player while Sanya Adebola took the Best Opens title.
Chairman of the Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association (LASSMA) Engr. Dipo Akanni who was represented by Femi Simpson commended Emmanuel Egbele for adding colour to the scrabble atmosphere in Lagos while he emphasised that his new board is ready to encourage spirited individuals in contributing to the development of the sports.
The Chief Organiser of the tournament, Emmanuel Egbele thanked all who supported the maiden tournament and stated that he was glad the competition fulfilled one of it’s major purposes of preparing players for the forthcoming National Sports Festival taking place in Benin Edo State.
