By Jacob Ajom

Grand Master John Ayedun on Sunday became the third player to win the South-West Scrabble Open Tournament after he defeated Abdulmumin Jimoh 477-390 in the final round to edge his closest rival Cyril Umebiye to the title with a cumulative points of +81.

Ayedun poked his nose with +958 ahead of the erstwhile defending champion who got +877 and Jimoh who scored +679 to win the giant trophy and a cash prize of N600,000.

Umebiye missed the opportunity of having the trophy for keeps after failing to win the title for a second time.

The finicky nature of the game again came into play when Day One leader Umujose fell from his vintage position to 6th despite opening the final day with a win, but lost the last three games.

In the rankings, 2022 African champion Enoch Nwali, new African King Timilehin Doko, Umujose and Ibukun Faloye who all recorded 10 wins and 5 defeats each were separated by varying cumulative points of +1138, +504, +326, +27 respectively.

Emotion was also high as top players tried to outpoint each other in the closing stage.

“It was a highly competitive event. I actually never saw it ( the victory) coming.” said Ayedun with a smile. “With the presence of two African champions; the immediate past champion in Enoch Nwali and the just recently crowned holder Timilehin Doko participating in this tournament shows how competitive it was.

“It’s not a small feat and I give God Almighty all the glory.

“Mr Egbele has done so well for making this South-West Scrabble Tournament a wonderful one. From the first edition in Ibadan won by my friend Adeyemi Adeosun to the one in Abeokuta,Ogun State won by Cyril Umebiye. Those ones were closed. Now that this edition was open and I won. God will continue to bless him.”

Apiafi Isaac emerged as the best in the intermediate category while Tsola Mabiaku picked the best Open title.

There was also a side-event for children.

Many players were also rewarded across board with spot prizes.

Nigeria Scrabble Federation South-West Coordinator Emmanuel Egbele was full of praise for Ondo State Scrabble Board members including Chief Samuel Alagha and Sunshine Scrabble Club Chairman Prince Adeloye Adetomiwa for hosting one of the best tournaments in the zone.

Egbele also commended the Local Organising Committee which also included his team members namely; Tayo Ogunseye, Hakeem Olaribigbe, Omotayo Hamzat, Khaleel Adedeji, Emmanuel Enyi and Paul Gbadegeshin for their impact on the organisation of the event.