Former World and African champions are among top Nigerian players that will slug it out at the third edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship.

The two-day event hosted by the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA) in Yenagoa, the state capital, is slated for July 8 and 9 at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall.

The governor’s tournament serves as the final preparation for the Nigerian contingent to the World Scrabble Championship holding in the United States from July 15.

Expected to participate in the masters category are former world champion, Wellington Jighere, current African champion, Enoch Nwali, his compatriot and defending champion of the tournament, Nsikak Etim among other top-rated players such as Emmanuel Umujose, Eta Karo as well as Oshevire Avwenaghagha, who won in the first edition.

Chairman of the BYSA, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, confirmed the readiness to host the third edition with over 300 players from across the country expected to participate.

He stated that this edition would be more competitive as only four categories would feature, namely masters, opens, veterans and students from Bayelsa secondary schools.

He said: “The Bayelsa Scrabble Association is ready for the third edition of the governor’s national scrabble championship. Preparations are on top gear to deliver a hitch-free championship.

“We look forward to receiving former world, African and national champions among over 300 participants in the masters, opens, veterans and students categories. This edition promises to be more competitive as participants will compete in just four categories.

“The star prize remains N500,000 for winner of the masters category. There are also prizes for top winners in the other categories and up to 50 consolation prizes.

Alabrah said registration is ongoing and will close on July 6.

“For the masters, registration is N7,000. For the opens and veterans categories it is N5,000 while the students category is free.”

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