World Champ For Akpabio Classic

This year’s edition of Godswill Akpabio International scrabble Classics will feature former world champion, Nemitrmansuk Pakorn of Thailand.

The tourney, which is sponsored by Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, will mark its sixth year, and will run from 26-30 September, 2012 at the L’Meridian Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

While speaking with P.M Sports on their readiness for the tourney, Secretary of Nigeria Scrabble Federation, NSF, James Eakyns, said that players competing at the championship would play in the Masters, Intermediate, Open and Veteran’s categories.

He also hinted that the $15,000 star prize for the winner in the Masters’ category makes the Classics the biggest in Africa in terms of financial rewards.

Among other notable international players expected to hit Uyo for the championship are Michael Tang of Malaysia and the United States’ Sam Katimatis, who are expected to pose stiff opposition to former world champion,Pakorn, who ruled the world during the 2009 World Scrabble Championship.

Eakyns said that the Classics will be used to select players to represent Nigeria at the Africa Scrabble Championship in Zambia in November.

—Bamidele Olowosagba