Most reports from the first major International tournament of the year centre on the Scrabble exploits of Nigel Richards and the magnificent largesse of the organisers. Nigel, 33 from Christchurch, New Zealand took the first prize of US$10,000 beating Pakorn Nemitrmansuk, 24 from Bangkok, in the final. At the venue, the superb Penang golf club, competitors received 4, excellently prepared, large meals per day and were royally entertained by local performers in the evenings.

A gruelling schedule saw all players complete 27 games in just over 4 days. Nigel was the favourite and he was always in the first 2 or 3 with Pakorn, Ganesh (Malaysia), Odette Rio (Philippines) and Terry Kirk (UK) hanging onto his coattails. Nigel, known as the Tiger Woods of Scrabble, ended 2 games clear of the 64 player field on 21 wins with Pakorn on 19. They were followed by Jakkrit (also Thailand), Ganesh and Odette.

This excellent performance qualified the first 2 for the 3 game shoot-out, watched on close circuit TV by the rest of the competiors. Pakorn's first rack wwas CFGKQTU and he played the obvious 4 letter word to much amusement from the spectators. Nigel had drawn DIVIDER out of the bag but after this move had nowhere to play it. No matter - he immediately played REDUVIID (an insect) and went onto win the first game comfortably.

Pakorn had early bonuses of ENTERIC and PANTHERS to lead by more than a hundred in the second game but hit trouble in going for the knock-out blow with a succession of unlucky draws. Meanwhile, Nigel roared back with MOLALITY (measure of concentration of a substance) and ARMILLAE (bracelets) to take the game and the Championship. Great play from probably the best player in the world, judging by current form.

RESULTS

1. Nigel Richards (New Zealand)
2. Pakorn Nemirtrmansuk (Thailand)
3. Jakkrit Klaphajone (Thailand)
4. A.Ganesh (Malaysia)
5. Odette Rio (Philippines)
6. Bob Jackman (Australia)
7. Terry Kirk (UK)
8. Charnwit Sukhumrattanporn (Thailand)
9. Cheah Siu Hean (Singapore)
10. Akegapun Eripra. (Thailand)

13. Joel Sherman (US) - World Champion 1997
14. Femia Awowade (Nigeria)
27. Cecilia Ruto (Kenya) - after missing first 4 games through travelling difficulties
37. Mohan Chunkath (India)

• High Game: Joel Sherman 657
• High word: Joel Sherman MICKLEST (archaic for greatest) 199