Eight Pakistanis among top 10 in Junior World Scrabble

KARACHI: Matthew O’Connor of the US was on top of the table on day two of the Junior World Scrabble Championship, underway in Nottingham, England.

He was followed by eight Pakistan colts. O’Connor’s winning streak was broken by Abdullah Abbasi of Pakistan, but he was still in a commanding position at the end of day two, with 15 wins and a spread of 1798.

According to information made available here, he is three wins clear of his next rival and looks set to walk away with the junior world title. Daniel Henriques of Trinidad and Tobago is the only other non-Pakistani player in the top ten.

Former world youth champion Moiz Baig was second with 12 wins and a spread of 756. He is expected to mount a serious challenge to O’Connor on the final day of the championship. Sohaib Sanaullah, the newly-crowned national champion of Pakistan, fell a place on the second day and was third with 12 wins and a spread of 501.

His elder brother Daniyal Sanaullah was fourth, while Abdullah Abbasi and Imaad Ali occupied fifth and sixth positions, respectively. Eight matches will be played on the third and final day.