Collins, McDonald to face-off for crown

Jun 01, 2009 Sports

– Mohabir maintains in upset mode

Defending champion Frederick Collins produced another ruthless performance to return to the final of the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) National Open Championship, after finishing with a top score of 21 wins and a positive spread of 2,717 after three completed rounds yesterday, at the Bank of Guyana.

The two players to contest the best of five finals for the National title Frederick Collins (left) and Abigail McDonald pose for Kaieteur Sport yesterday.

Collins, who had assumed the lead after the second round despite a slow start in the first stanza, was again in impeccable form winning 8 of 9 matches with his only loss coming at the hands of the other finalist Abigail McDonald.

McDonald, who had trailed the champion at the end of day two also, was in a class of her own, as she too won 8 of 9 to close with an impressive score of 20 games and a spread of 1667 to set up a mouth watering clash with the experienced Collins for the coveted crown.

Speaking about his return trip to the final, Collins told Kaieteur Sport that it is more like déjà vu, but is not really surprised to have done well. “I’m looking forward to the challenge against Abigail (McDonald), it is a battle between the two generations,” Collins said.

He added that there is no real feeling of achievement, but more a gratification to see this time around there isn’t a significant difference between the top 10 finishers. “If you check the last tournament, the top two players had significantly separated themselves from the field after two rounds, but that is not the case this time,” Collins mentioned.

McDonald in her remarks said that she was very happy with her performance, but a bit shocked, the reason being after a somewhat disappointing display by her standards the previous day.

Anand Mohabir

“I did not anticipate coming second, but I think that grit and determination was the difference today,” she stated. She added that just before she left home yesterday, her dad told her to just go and have fun and that was what she did.

McDonald, who was the only player to defeat Collins yesterday, said that she was able to put her second round loss to Carlton Murray behind her and really focus on the task ahead, knowing fully well that her chances of reaching the final was dependant on how well she performed in the remaining games.

“When I lost to Murray, it affected me a bit, but it also somehow increased my focus, because I knew immediately that I had to win every game after then,” she declared.

Meanwhile, the top ten finishers are as follows: 1st F. Collins- 21 +2,717; 2nd A. McDonald- 20 +1667; 3rd James Krakowsky- 20 +1628; 4th Moen Gafoor- 19 +2450; 5th Orlando Michael- 19 +1059; 6th Yvonne Murray- 18 +868; 7th Floyd Carmichael- 18 +832; 8th Leon Belony- 17 +1299; 9th Kampta Ramnarine- 17 -96 and Colin Chichester- 16 +864.

Gafoor registered the most bingos of 44 followed by McDonald on 42 and Collins 41.

First timer Anand Mohabir, who produced several upsets on the first two days, was again in that mood, this time it was Carmichael who suffered at his hands and many feel that he is a good prospect for the future. He ended on 13 points and a -275, but netted 27 bingos.

The date and venue for the best of five finals will be announced shortly.

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