Moen Gafoor wins Open Diwali scrabble tournament

Oct 30, 2008 Sports

Technical Director lauds high standard of play

Honour Row: Gafoor (centre), flanked by Collins (left) and Chichester display their winnings.

By Michael Benjamin
Moen Gafoor bounced back from a third round defeat to Ulric Harris by a spread of 142 and then survived a strong challenge from Colin ‘Chico’ Chichester, to comprehensively win the Open Diwali Scrabble Competition.

The event was organised by the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) and played at the Courts Sports Club, Main Street, Georgetown, Tuesday last. Gafoor also formed the most bingos (14), carting off the special prize at stake.

In a contest that was too close for comfort, Gafoor, Chichester and Fred Collins all amassed 5 games but it was Gafoor with the largest spread of 430 who eked past the bunch to claim the prime podium position.

Chichester placed second with a spread of 327 while National Champion, Fred Collins, regained a semblance of form to complete the prime spots with a spread of 325.

A record number of players (20) entered the competition, representing the largest turn out in recent times. Gafoor and Chichester surged ahead from the onset, defeating Collins and Kampta Ramnarine by spreads of 28 and 52, respectively. Collins was a mite slow in forming his words, losing to Gafoor by a spread of 28.

The trend continued into the second round when Gafoor humiliated Carlton Murray (349). Collins regained some footing, thrashing Clairmont Williams (104) while Chichester out-spelt Julian Skeete to register his second win (54).

In the penultimate game before lunch Gafoor slipped, somewhat, losing to Ulric Harris (142). Fred Collins enjoyed sweet revenge over Abigail McDonald, who had beaten him in the recently held Gasp Open tournament, by a spread of 29 while Chichester added the scalp of Grace Hercules to his list. His winning spread was 62.

While all this was occurring, the old master, Ulric Harris, had surreptitiously chalked up three games and a spread of 417 to remain in the hustings. The players then went off to lunch with the tournament intricately poised.

On resumption, Gafoor, Chichester and Collins continued their winning ways. Gafoor disposed of Leon Belony (114) while Chichester outplayed Ulric Harris (72). Collins then made light work of Yvonne Murray (148). Ulric Harris must have had a sumptuous breakfast and a terrible lunch.

While he enjoyed an impeccable morning session, his post lunch performance was anything but sparkling and he lost all three games to Chichester (72), Collins (63) and Floyd Carmichael (11).

In the penultimate round, Gafoor humiliated Julian Skeete (75), while Collins blasted away Harris (63). Chichester took James Krakowsky to spelling classes with a 93 spread drubbing.

At that stage, the two players with the most realistic chance of carting off the honours were Chichester and Gafoor. The situation became more interesting when the two qualified to oppose each other in the must win situation.

The fierce battle that ensued necessitated several rechecks to arrive at the eventual winner. In the end Gafoor prevailed by the slimmest of spreads (6).

Meanwhile, Technical Director of the tournament, Fred Collins, while congratulating the winners, lauded the high quality of play displayed in the tournament. He singled out Floyd Carmichael and Devon Dublin, who finished fourth and sixth, respectively, for commendation.

Carmichael conceded two games to Leon Belony (9) and Julian Skeete (3) before rebounding with victories over Michael Benjamin (64), Orlando Michael (53), Ruby Cummings (260) and Ulric Harris (11) to finish with 4 games and a positive spread of 376.

Dublin also conceded two games to Grace Hercules (179) and Julian Skeete (49) before chalking up victories over Ruby Collins (86), Paul Adams (14), Carlton Murray (34) and Leon Belony (86). He finished with a positive spread of 178.

The next tournament on the GASP calendar is the GASP Open, slated for November 16. Meanwhile members are urged to attend practice sessions at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas land on Thursday evenings from 19:00hrs.

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