Youth Scrabble Cup to be Disputed

Nov. 27, 2007 - PRLog -- Word oddities like "karengo" and "usquebae" might be  played in the three-day Tokai World Youth Scrabble Championship opening Johor  Bahru, Malaysia, Tuesday [editor: Dec. 4].

About 55 under-18-year-old competitors from 10 countries are competing in the town, just across the causeway from Singapore.

           Twenty-two Swiss-draw games will be played followed by a best of five among the top two players for the championship. Repeat pairings are possible after games 8 and 17.

           "No doubt the standard of play this year will be higher than last year," said World English-language Scrabble Players Association youth committee chair Karen Richards, "with approximately a third of the players returning for a second attempt and surely much improved after their initial experience."

           Some fans are cheering for Susanne Ong (Malaysia), fresh from her 12th placement in this month's ninth World Scrabble Championship.

           Another firm favourite for the finals could be Thacha Koowirat (Thailand) who tackled some of the best players in the world at last June's King's Cup, finishing sixth.

           Last year the Singapore team was the best overall in the WYSC so fans are expecting great things from them again, particularly Benjamin Chow, another WSC competitor this month.

Those players cited already have international ratings higher than 1850, considered among some of the best exponents in the world in the brainy game.

           Tokai Malaysia, provider of lightning protection and security, is the sponsor, with its managing director and group chief executive officer, Jimmy Lim, present for the opening and to present prizes. The champion receives 3,000 ringgit (approx. US$1,000).              

           Cash prizes and trophies are awarded to the top 10 players in addition to a trophy for the best under-12, -14 and -16-year-olds. Citations will also be made for the WYSC's top score and best move. An encouragement award will go to the youngest entrant from the top 25 players.

           A citation will be presented to the player cited for best sportsmanship, a trophy in memory of Jean McGiffen, a founding member of the Scrabble movement in Australia. Youngsters will be treated to a tour of Johor Bahru and vicinity.

         Many of the WYSC entrants are also participating in the Causeway Challenge, an international team Scrabble competition, from Friday [editor: Nov. 30] to Sunday [editor: Dec. 2].

           "Since our inaugural WYSC last year, many countries, which previously had no youth presence, are now actively identifying and developing promising young players," said Richards.

           "This is extremely exciting as it fulfils the vision which created WYSC in the first place: that once we provide a prestige event for youth, they'll work vigorously towards representing their country, thereby increasing both the number and standard of young players worldwide."

           With the endorsement of Wespa, members of the Scrabble Association of Singapore are assisting in organising this international competition. In particular Michael Tang  and Cheah Siu Hean (SAS president) are providing logistical support for the event.

            Also assisting is Mrs. Yap, or Song Kim Lian, responsible for the massive number of school children competing in Malaysia as well as being a member of the Wespa youth sub-committee.

Dr. Wilma Vialle (Australia), who has been tournament director for four WSCs and the inaugural WYSC, will be in Johor Bahru to supervise the youth championship.

The official word reference is the new Collins Scrabble Tournament and Club Word List which includes both American and British entries .

           "This year, we have an additional 21,231 playable words, courtesy of Collins," said Richards.

"Little wonder that intelligent young people are being attracted to this dynamic and challenging pastime in increasing numbers. One never stops learning."

Full details of the WYSC, including results after each round plus annotated games, will be available on its website: www.youthscrabble.org.

Details of the third WYSC, scheduled for next year, are expected to be announced in early 2008.  




WYSC Competitors

Australia - Jason Stockdale, John Hamilton, James Gunner, Alastair Richards, Matthew Selvanera, Natasha Podesser, Kitty-Jean Laginha, Michael McKenna

Great Britain - Annie Hawes
India - Annie-Teresa Thomas, Purav Shah, Vyoma Shah India
Malaysia - Tan Boon Aik, Benjamin Cheong, Ian Tay Zhi Xian, Khoo Beng Way, Suanne Ong, Sean Chung, Jagan Narayanan, Ker Jen Ho, Scott Chung, William Kang, Ramaraj Sundraraj, Alvin Lau
Philippines - Ronel Geminiano, Byron Co, Alvin Lao, Trixie Miraflores, Kim Rubina, Matthew Malitao, Jessey Cortez
Singapore - Lim Li Wei, Benjamin Chow, Lee Guan Hui, Chia Guo Cong, Liew Kian Boon, Toh Weiben, Kum Zi Peng, Ng Mingwei, Victor Gwee, Alvin Seo Jia Han

Sri Lanka - Charith Rajasiri, Sheroze Sheriffdeen, Lahiru Elvitigala
Thailand - Chaiwat  Wuthinitikornkit, Thacha Koowirat, Yannakit Sirisup, Nattawuth Chinrungroj, Pasit Natearpha, Thanapong  Kukiettikulchai, Imron Sawamipak, Tanasak Supphaphibulkul, Charnrit  Khongthanarat, Charas Worapotpisut
USA - Tim Michaels, Lia Campbell

The organisers say last-minute entrants are expected.

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The World English-language Scrabble Players Association is recognised as the regulatory authority for the game of Scrabble. Committees examine tournament formats, word references, rules and ratings procedures, communications

Website: www.wespa.org