I think I really surprised myself - Gafoor

I think I really surprised myself – Gafoor

May 28, 2009 Sports

Collins, McDonald still fancy chances in GASP National C/ship

Abigail McDonald

Moen Gafoor

Leader in the 2009 Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) National Open Championship, Moen Gafoor in an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport revealed that he really surprised himself with his opening day performance.
Gafoor, who holds pole position after the first round which concluded Tuesday at the Malteenoes Sports Club, ended with an impressive seven wins and a staggering positive spread of 883, the highest aggregate so far to escort pre-tournament favourites Abigail McDonald (7 points +531) and defending champion Frederick Collins (6 +730).

The #4 rated player, prior to the start of competition said he was not optimistic of winning the event due to a brief hiatus from the sport, as a result of the birth of his first child, but must now be thinking seriously of going all the way following a stunning opening round display.
He, however, did put it in perspective, stating that he was a bit lucky to open up against a few weaker players, but was equally happy that he managed to defeat two established players in Colin Chichester and James Krakowsky, both of whom he had held a bit of a fear for.
Gafoor did admit that the coming two rounds will be tough, but will be intensifying his preparations over the next few days to adequately deal with the anticipated hard assignments. “I could not ask for a better day, I’m extremely satisfied.”

Defending National Champion, Frederick Collins speaking about his showing on the opening day, said he was very pleased to be in that position.
“I am very grateful with my performance given the lack of generosity of the tiles sharing, my opponents were getting some good buys,” Collins said.
The vastly experienced champion added that he was very happy to be able to do what he did despite the lack of luck.

He disclosed that he still fancies his chances of retaining the title, adding that if one was to reflect on the previous national tournament, you would’ve seen that he was not amongst the early frontrunners, but asserted himself on the second and third days.
Meanwhile, McDonald, who while not admitting whether she was feeling the pressure of the pre-tournament favourite based on current form, was a bit critical about a few careless mistakes she made which cost her the game against Ruby Cummings.

“I’m satisfied, however, although I do not think I played to my full potential,” she remarked.
She too confessed that the coming weekend is going to be tougher and among her opponents are Gafoor, Floyd Carmichael and Krakowsky, all very formidable players.
“Saturday I will be able to assess my position very clearly in the tournament, the first day is really tough to tell who will emerge the winner, very often things begin to take shape after the second round” McDonald pointed out.