McDonald regains form on verge of National Scrabble c/ships...Carts off Labour Day Open prize

McDonald regains form on verge of National Scrabble c/ships…Carts off Labour Day Open prize

May 03, 2013 Sports

As the executives of the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) continue to put the modalities in place for the National Scrabble Championships, due sometime next month, Abigail McDonald sent an ominous message to her detractors when despite surrendering her final pre-lunch game to her predecessor, Fred Collins by a slim spread of 6, compiled 5 points and a positive spread of 655 to capture the top spot when the GASP staged the Labour Day Open Scrabble Championships at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Wednesday afternoon last.

In a stiff battle of wits McDonald (left) prevailed over Collins to win the championship.

The competitiveness of the tournament was highlighted when Leon Belony managed to squeeze into the second place slot after accruing a similar amount of points as McDonald but a lower positive spread of 355 while to relegate him to 3rd place; despite scoring similar points but with a lower positive spread of 258.
McDonald’s other victories came at the expense of Julian Skeete (179), Leon Belony (73), Wayne Cave (202), Ruby Cummings (106) and Orlando Michael (101). Belony rebounded from the loss to the eventual champion to register wins over Ruby Cummings (2), Orlando Michael (194), Grace Hercules (83), Collins (79) and Skeete 170). Collins’ other victims were Grace Hercules (157), Wayne Cave (44), Cummings (86) and Maurice Munru (39).
Meanwhile, the organisers have intensified activities even as they continue to address issues pertaining to the successful staging of the nationals. Consequently, the players will convene once again at the Malteenoes Sports Club on Monday May 6 for the Arrival Day Open Championships.
President of the GASP, Leon Belony said that his executives are currently addressing internal issues towards the success of the National championships. He said that they have managed to procure sponsorship for the tournament and are now addressing other issues before releasing the date.
McDonald is the defending champion and will have to be wary of such challengers as Belony (whom she defeated in a 3 best in 5 duel at the last nationals), Moen Gafoor, Collins, James Krakowsky as well as many other players that are improving at a rapid pace.