Chris May vs. Ronald Credo, Round 14 at 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006

 This was the only game where Chris May and I have played across the Scrabble board.

I've learned a few days ago that Chris May already passed away. I remember him as humble and passionate Scrabble player. I first saw him at the 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006 held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia wherein I got the chance to play him. I thought that I already blocked the board, but he came up with a nice bingo on a tight board! I also met him at the 9th World Scrabble Championship 2007 in Kuala Lumpur. I had a fond memory of Chris singing "The Sound of Silence" in a videoke before the dinner at the Baguio International Word Builders Tournament 2009 held in Baguio City, Philippines. That was fun! I recorded a video of him singing but he refused to be uploaded it in Facebook.

Chris May from his photo in Facebook

2006 Causeway Scrabble Challenge

Venue: Zon Regency Hotel, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Dates: December 8-10, 2006

Premier Division:

Teams: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines, Australia and India
No. of Players: 30 (5 players each Team)

Qualification: Top 5 players from each country based on ratings of each country as of 30 November 2006 or earlier as determined by Scrabble Association of each country.  The next player on the rating list will be invited if any of top 5 players could not make it.
Dictionary: SOWPODS 2003
Challenge Rule: 5-Point Penalty per Words Challenged

Format: 25 games (Team round-robin only, i.e. each country plays the other countries once over a period of three day)

Winner: Asirvatham Ganesh

Top Prize: USD 2,500

Team Winner: Australia

Open Division:

No. of Players: 66

Dictionary: SOWPODS 2003

Challenge Rule: 5 points penalty per word challenged

Format: 12 Swiss No-Repeat and 8 King of the Hill over a period of three days)

Winner: Austin Shin

Top Prize: RM 2,500

Team Philippines composed of Oscar Rivera, Odette Rio, Ronald Credo, Leonora Labog and Marlon Prudencio at CSC 2006 with their Vowelless T-Shirt

Team Winner of CSC 2006: Australia (from left: Naween Fernando, Edward Okulicz, Andrew Fisher, David Elder & Chris May) - Photo from scrabble.org.au/inter/causeway06

Ronald Credo vs. Vannitha Balasingam, Round 23 at 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006

 I knocked down a high-scoring word in this game.

Andy Kurnia vs. Ronald Credo, Round 21 at the 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006

  I had five consecutive losses before this game and was feeling very low at this point. Andy Kurnia and I were struggling in the bottom half of the field, that's why both of us were hungry for a win. Michael Tang approached our table and requested us to record our game to be uploaded in the CSC Website.

(Post Note: The original link of this game is no longer accessible, so I just recreated it.)

Ronald Credo vs. Nigel Richards, Round 8 at the 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006

 This was our third meeting in a WESPA rated tournament. I had a good 1-1 head-to-head record against Nigel Richards before this game. I knew it's gonna be a tall order playing against the GOAT! I had a phoney word which was challenged off the board, but I fought back till endgame.

Panupol Sujjayakorn vs. Ronald Credo, Round 7 at the 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006

 A meeting with WSC 2003 Champion, Panupol Sujjayakorn from Thailand. I met and played him trice at the King's Cup 2002, Bangkok wherein I managed to have a 1-2 Head-to-Head match with him prior to this game.

In this game, I thought it was already an early knock out after he started strongly with a four-timer bingo and the other 9-letter word bingo which looked plausible that I did not challenge. Anyway, I cut down his lead after slotting in back-to-back bingos and the rest were history.

Ronald Credo vs. Ganesh Asirvatham, Round 3 at the 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006

  Ganesh had four consecutive bingos in this game! What an esoteric performance from this brilliant Malaysian Wordsmith! Good thing, I was not pulverized by a big margin.

POST ANALYSIS NOTES:

After the game, my thoughts wandered in a scenario wherein A, X and blank were in the bag, and if I drew A and blank first, after challenging off the IRIS play, just in case. In my post-mortem review at home, Quackle found this continuation. 

Ronald Credo vs. Gerry Carter, Round 2 at the 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006

 A meeting with the 1998 Asia Pacific Scrabble Champion, Gerry Carter and a hard fought battle until endgame.

Causeway Scrabble 3rd Day

Day 3, December 10, 2006

Round 19 - Andrew Fisher (Aus)

Andrew played SORBITIC and OpERATED in his first two turns. My QUESTOR 91 pts. on my third turn reduced his lead, 125-152. After he played VOLANTES, the game went his way. LOSS 374-495

Round 20 - Jose DeAbreu (Ind)

Jose had four bingos, TRAILED, TRAVOISE, INDITEs and ENFANTS. I had only one bingo, UNCHOSEN but managed to trim down his spread. LOSS 442-381

Round 21 - Andy Kurnia (Sin)

After 20 rounds, I was still stucked with a Win-Loss-Spread record of 6-14 , -302 and I'm facing the tough Andy Kurnia. I recalled meeting him in WSC2003 to whom I loss by +150 pts spread. Both of us exchanged tiles at move 3. In the ensuing play, he laid down PEJORATES 104 pts thru PE but I countered with CROSSED 100 pts. I led, 132-165. Then he was unsure of MORTICED, he played MORTISED instead for 62 pts. I had ZOBU 75 pts. 194-240, my lead. I deferred my HORNIlY and WORDILy bingo to score with HONEY 55 pts and WILD 32 pts, respectively and preserved my blank in later time. After his GOBLET, I held ?AAIORR with the current score of 280-327 in my favor, I played ORAtORIA* for 59 pts. (Note: I discovered after the game that it was phoney. Sorry, Andy. I missed RAIlROAD in the triple lane). Scoring moves continued, QAID 41 pts for him answered by my KAOLIN 56 pts. He played FLOE 30 pts. but I had WAITs 58 pts. emptying the bag in which I drew the nice EFNIRST. But Andy cannot be denied, he laid down EUGENIA 69 pts to end this high scoring game. Click this link to follow our move by move account: http://www.poslfit.com/cgi-bin/showgcg.cgi?id=causeway/2006/7;turn=0

WON 440-500

Round 22 - Sompong Polsongkram (Tha)

My SERIATE was answered by AZLON 75 pts. GLADNESS put me back on the driver's seat, 297-242. Going into the endgame, the board looked like this:

Ronald: DDEELUW - 313

Unseen: ??GIINNOPRRSY

Sompong's Score: 295

Sompong's last play: KITED

I wanted to play WELKED a1 42 pts. but the two blanks were still out so I decided not to open that lane. I played DUEL 6b 16 pts. 329-295, I led and drew GIIO leaving two tiles in the bag. He played SYNC 27 pts. emptying the bag. It's now 329-322 in my favor. My rack was DEGIIOW. In my tracking sheet, I could see his rack as ??NORR. I played DEW 3b 28 pts. 357-322, still hanging on. (Note: Maven found WIFED l11 as the best move). At this point, he gambled with CYANOs* forming ZO and PROPELs for 31 pts. I hold play and made some calculations. (357-322 = 35-31 = 4. If I challenged this word and if it's good, then 4-5= -1, I could only see GIF l11 14 pts as my next move, so -1+14=13. If he could play-out by at least 10 points with his ?NRR rack, he could catch me with IO (4 pts). Then -10-4+13=-1, I could lose by 1 point). With this, I accepted his play and proceeded with GIF l11 14 pts. He played sAX g11 20 pts. My play-out was IO n5 14 pts. catching him with NRR. WON 391-377

Round 23 - Vannitha Balasingam (Mal)

I was safisfied with my last two consecutive wins. The beautiful Vannitha was my next opponent. I wore my cap to cover my eyes before we started. On my 4th turn, I held BEINOWS, she opened up with FIGHTS exposing F, I, G and H, but I failed to spot WISHBONE, tho I was contented to play a 4-timer BOWINGS (57) including 5 pt penalty. Vannitha played the first bingo, ERADIATE 60 pts. followed with JEEPS 40+pts. After series of moves, we arrived at this board position:

Ronald: ??IRSSY - 233

Vannitha's Score: 277

Vannitha's Last Move: CANOE

Note: 9 tiles in the bag

Since I held the last S and the two blanks, I decided to setup by playing DRY 1l 7 pts., at least, with a bingo next turn, I could even things up or take a lead depending on how she could defend my setup. She initially put down PREE 2k, think twice, and finally played PREEN 2k for 31 pts. She led, 240-308. I drew BU making my rack ??BISRU. I told myself: "This is it!" And plucked down a 9-timer, SNUBbIeR o1 forming another word, DRYS for 173! Vannitha said: ''Challenge!'' We checked the word in the Look Program and it was good. 5 more points due to penalty, so my score for that turn was 178! WON 447-337

Round 24 - David Eldar (Aus)Having won the WYSC last weekend and a seat to WSC2007, David have been doing well in the tourney. David drew first blood on his 2nd turn with OwRELAY. I took a slight lead when I played UNLISTED, 219-179. From there on, my lead was maintained, 310-273 until I finally hit another bingo holding CDEIINO using the floating C. That was the turning point of the game. WON 428-340

Round 25 - Modh Irfan Siddiqui (Ind)Irfan found the right moves in this endgame:

Irfan: IIIILSU - 379

Ronald: LMNOTUV - 357

Irfan: WILI o8 7 386

Ronald: MOP 3m 27 384

Irfan: SUI d10 10 396

Ronald: ULVA 3d 7 391

(Missing LUV c12 14 pts but still loses)

Irfan: TI j1 4 400

Irfan: (NT) +4 404

LOSS 404-391

Causeway Scrabble 2nd Day

Day 2, December 09, 2006

Round 7 - Panupol Sujjayakorn (Tha)

Panupol started strongly with a 4-timer, WONDERED (102) on his 2nd turn. Later, he held AEELMRS, slotted a bingo thru DI to form REMEDIALS* (62). I hold play for a few minutes and accepted his play. (Only to find out later that it was a phoney). After that play, he led, 263-118. I was able to catch up with SUETIEr and RAINILY to cut down the lead, 378-377. The bag was empty then, he held ADFNRTY while mine was ?AETUVW. His 2-move play won him the endgame. LOSS 442-405.

Round 8 - Nigel Richards (Mal)

It was a nip and tuck affair going into the endgame, these were the scores and board position:

Ronald: ??CGEOR - 311

Unseen: EFRRSSUV

Nigel's score: 337

Nigel's last play: DOZE

My CORteGE 2a was blocked. I spent too much time thinking a possible bingo at G and UP of GYP but coudn't find one. Then I shifted at row 3, until I found myself in time trouble with 3 minutes left. My initial thought was to play CORE 1a 25 pts. but changed my mind and played my surname, CREdO 3b 27 pts to lead 338-337. I realized I committed a big mistake for not anticipating his next possible move. Then drew S in the bag. Nigel with his rack EFRRSUV calculated his play and laid down SCURF b2 36 pts. and led 338-373. With his rack ERV, I saw VANNER 12b and VENEER at 13j as his play-out, so I need to score 23 pts with my ?GS to draw but can't find a spot. I only managed to spot about 18 pts. (Note: GEORGiCs g8 was the winning move that I missed when I checked my Lampwords after the game). LOSS 368-373.

Round 9 - Edward Okulicz (Aus)

This game was decided in the middlegame when Edward open up SIRI to setup his H in the triple lane. The score at that point was 233-293 in my favor. Since I held the last S, I hooked it and played SURGE/SIRIS (15k) for 26 pts. He challenged it but the word was valid earning me 5 more points. I kept my lead til endgame. WON 334-430

Round 10 - Douglas Lobo (Ind)

It was a one-sided game in my favor. I only got down INOSITE while he had SHALINg. WON 438-307

Round 11 - Goh Jang Pern (Sin)

JP started with INSUReD 68 pts. I had HOTTIEs 70 pts on my 2nd turn to even things up. But his ESCALIER 70 pts. and OVERRAN 36 pts. upped his lead and never looked back. LOSS 445-342

Round 12 - Pakorn Nemitrmansuk (Tha)

HYRAX 8h 52 pts was his initial play. I responded with WOE 9g 22 pts to balance my rack. At this point, he held DMNOOSW and played a nice bingo! Later, I played YpeRITES thru S for only 61 pts. (In the post mortem, he found an interesting bingo in the floating W with my rack ??EIRSY). In the middlegame, I spotted ACTRESS in a closed board position. His blocking play of GUT 16 pts shut down lane for my possible bingo comeback. LOSS 466-373

Round 13 - Aaron Chong (Mal)

After my VIFDA h4 32 pts., Aaron played ARsENAL 9f 70 pts. Then I played MATCH 10b 39 pts. He retaliated with WOOLS a6 37 pts in the triple lane. That was his last taste of lead as I laid down a 4-timer ACTINOID 94 pts. and later increased my lead further after MAIStER. WON 427-351

Round 14 - Chris May (Aus)

I had LOONIER/GRUME which was challenged in the early going. I protected my lead until he played INPHASE and grabbed the upper hand, 229-216. It was a neck to neck scoring until his bingo of oiLLETS went it. That was the turning point of his victory. LOSS 371-350

Round 15 - Lennie Souza (Ind)

I had cOUVADE 11i 91 pts and she had RANDIES 14d 71 pts hooking her S to COOL. At one time, I held ?AEERTW and failed to spot an overlap bingo in the triple lane below RANDIES. Anyway, I still managed to keep my lead. WON 409-331

Round 16 - Hubert Wee (Sin)

Somewhat closed board but Hubert spotted VEINULET and NATUreD. No bingos for me. You can also check his blog on this link: http://scrabblestats.blogspot.ae/2006/12/day-2-brief-notes.html

LOSS 303-403

Round 17 - Taewan Sutthasin (Tha)

Taewan started with TIERcES 8c 64 pts. I neutralized his lead when I extended QUILT to TWS playing -ING as backword hook for 54 pts. I was leading 260-279 when he laid down DISHIER 9h 69 pts. Going into the endgame , the score was 371-323 in his favor, my rack was ABCCEET with unseen ?DDEILMNR (2 tiles in the bag). I surveyed the board and found out that there were only 3 open letters for an 8-letter word bingo:

1. R (as the 1st letter but would require A or E as 2nd letter),

2. R as the 2nd letter (which I believe could be a potential spot for me with a good draw) and

3. G as the 1st letter.

My last hope was to draw blank or L and pray that he will not bingo. Nevertheless, I needed a bingo to catch up. I decided between SIC i8 and COMS 3e but chose the latter and dumped the C for 8 pts. and drew L. Alas, he played ReMINDER 70 pts. with his last R opened up the triple lane! My BRACELET went in for 89 pts but not enough to win. LOSS 441-424

Round 18 - Jocelyn Lor (Mal)

Going into this last round of the 2nd day, I checked my scorecard and saw 6-11, -96 win-loss-spread record. On my 3rd turn, I got down DIPLOES 84 pts. Later, she played SUASION parallel below DIPLOES for 80 pts. 161-149, her lead. (Note: SANIOUS could have overlapped 1 more tile). I had BOX 65 pts, she had QuEST 66 pts., 227-214, her lead anew. After a series of plays, she laid down OUTWRIT 76 pts including 5-pt challenge. 340-243, she still led. Going into the endgame, our score was 380-315, I held ?ACIMNT with unseen AEEGINNPRSWY (5 tiles in the bag), and the board looked like this:

Ronald: ?ACIMNT - 315

Unseen: AEEGINNPRSWY

Jocelyn's Score: 380

Jocelyn's last play: TUNE

My ANAToMIC 14h was blocked by her TUNE. I surmised in her last play that she had an S to score at row 14. I can't think of a possible bingo on the floating D with my rack at row 15. There were two more floaters, the Z on top and the C along A-file. Based on unseen, I analyzed that WIPES and YIPES 14j would score heavily. So, I had to choose between scoring at row 14 using the blank or try to get rid of C and M for a last ditch bingo. I decided to play MINAs 14j and it was challenged, so 57 pts for me, 380-372, she hangs on. I emptied the bag with that move. My last rack was CEGITWY while she had AENNPRS. I guessed her PANES was blocked. She played PEN 9c 28 pts to play-out with his remaining rack ANRS either EARNS 2h or NARCS a5 after my play of WICE d1 33 pts. (Note: Maven finds CUM l12 as the best play to get one last shot of bingo). LOSS 429-405

We went back to our respective hotel rooms. It's now Marlon Prudencio's (Phi) turn (who had 10-8-+210 Win-Loss-Spread record) to ask me play another practice games. Same bet as yesterday, 5RM per game. I started with a 2-0 game lead. Our third game was a different story. He got an early lead when he played a 9-timer CYTIDiNE for 181 pts. (including 5-pt penalty). My next turn ENSHREW* was challenged off the board. After his DURRA, he is leading 235-49. I managed to , keep at pace by scoring EXERTS 70 pts, WIZ 40 pts and OUTLIEr 67 pts. Going into the endgame, the scores and the position are as follows:

Ronald: AAEOPST - 340

Unseen: AEILNORSQ

Marlon's Score: 377

Marlon's Last Play: NURD

I initially thought of playing PEONS a4 38 pts but there were 2 tiles left in the bag. A bingo for Marlon would end the game outright. So, I decided to dump the letter A. I played LA 2n for 2 points. If I draw the Q, then I could play QATS later. If he had the Q, then he can't play QI in the TWS. Then I drew L in the bag. If Marlon would block the NURDS spot, then I can hit the 9-timer with LAPSTONE! I was praying that my other bingo spot will not be blocked. He played IRONE a4, and I slapped down, PELOTAS e1 for the win. By the time I checked the remaining tile in the bag, Marlon already messed up the tiles on the board and said: ''Resign!'' I won again 3-0 and 15RM. Then we went to sleep around 2:00 A.M.

2006 Causeway Scrabble Experience

My CSC Game Summary

Day 1, Dec. 08, 2006
Round 1 - Michael Tang (Sin)
This game was actually played later in the evening as Michael fetched the Thais at the airport who were delayed in their flight. In our game, Michael played two consecutive phoneys holding DEIINST which cost him the game. He later played SONTIES but was answered by ROAMINGS. WON 424-288.

Round 2 - Gerard Carter (Tha)
I drew first blood in TESTIER but was neutralized later by his RELaTES. Going into the endgame, I held ?AIILLR, I setup the last A, played LIEN leaving ?AILR to open up another bingo lane aside from the A-ending letter (A-QUA hook) and OF-t or OF-f hook which uses a blank at the 14th row. Two good letters pickup could have won me the game but I drew OO. Gerard blocked the only bingo lane of OORALIs/ALIEN by playing BEET (6 pts) to win the game. LOSS 362-377.

Round 3 - A. Ganesh (Mal)
Ganesh played four consecutive bingos, SPAMMIER, ISOLEADS, TILE(L)IKE and VENTAGES and took a commanding lead. I only managed to get down CHATTING and was able to trim down his spread. LOSS 439-492.

Round 4 - Naween Fernando (Aus)
Naween was still undefeated going into this round. He laid down CINEASTE, WANTONER, and HOLSTERS. I had 4-timer EQUiTIES 114 pts. and SUNDARI played on the tight board but could not cope up with his high scoring game. LOSS 526-436.

Round 5 - Irinieu Gonsalves (Ind)
Closed board this time and a cliff-hanger endgame. WON 379-384.

Round 6 - Cheah Siu Hean (Sin)
Cheah took an early lead by playing two consecutive bingos, TRANTER (5-letter overlap on top of WOODEN forming AWATCH, NO, TO, ED, and RE) and MELINITE. His DOVENInG pushed his lead further until the end. LOSS 452-365.

Michael Tang (Sin) announced that there will be 12 rounds to play on the second day to start 8:30 A.M.

So, after day 1, I only had 2-4, -104 Win-Loss-Spread record to show. Reviewing my stats, I only drew 3 out of 12 blanks for the said 6 rounds!

I asked my roommate, Marlon Prudencio (Phi) to play some practice games before we sleep. He agreed but there should be a bet, 5RM per game. I won, 3-0 and 15RM. Checking on my scorecard before we slept around 3:00A.M., I will play Panupol Sujjayakorn (Tha) and Nigel Richards (Mal) in Round 7 and 8, respectively.

Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006 (Final Lineup Announced)

Dear Fellow Scrabblers,

I am pleased to confirm the line-up for both the Master and Open Section as follows:

Master Section:
Australia:1. Andrew Fisher
2. Naween Fernando
3. David Eldar
4. Chris May
5. Edward Okulicz

India:1. Mohd Irfan
2. Irinieu Gonsalves
3. Jose D'Abreu
4. Sanjoy Gupta
5. Lennie D'Sousa

Malaysia:1. A Ganesh
2. Nigel Richards
3. Aaron Chong
4. Vannitha
5. Jocelyn Lor

Philippines:
1. Odette Rio
2. Ronald Credo
3. Marlon Prudencio
4. Oscar Rivera
5. Leonora Labog

Singapore:1. Hubert Wee
2. Goh Jiang Pern
3. Tony Sim
4. Cheah Siu Hean
5. Michael Tang

Thailand:1. Panupol
2. Pakorn
3. Taewan
4. Gerry Carter
5. Somphong

Open Section:

Australia:1. Alastair Richards
2. Karen Richards
3. Dianne Ward
4. Olga
5. Carol Johnson
6. Angie Pearce

India:7. Karthik

Malaysia:8. Tan Jin Chor
9. Tengku Asri
10. Mohd Ali
11. Paulette Yeoh
12. Yeap Gim Sai
13. Chim Wai Main
14. Jerry Jang
15. Michael Wong
16. Sandy Tsen
17. Gan Yi En
18. Martin Teo
19. Leroy Ong
20. Ng Li Yuan
21. William Kang
22. Seshi

Philippines:23. Malonzo
24. Roger Parchamento
25. Francis Dizon
26. Robbie Onate

Singapore:
27. Andy Kurnia
28. Gan Cher Siong
29. Ricky Purnomo
30. Dorai Raja
31. Shim Yen Nee
32. Liew Kian Boon
33. Chia Guo Cong
34. Victor Chua
35. Ismail Kassim
36. Aloysius Conzaga
37. Jessie Lim
38. Valli
39. Ruby Sim
40. Dinna Lim
41. Catherine Tong
42. Alvin Seo
43. Dave Yuen
44. Chen Huang Zhi
45. Suhaimi Khalil
46. Noor Hanis
47. Syed Ahmed
48. Noorhisham
49. Peter Tay
50. Kumar
51. Sreekumar
52. Jason Toh
53. Chew Han Yi
54. Lee Chee Meng

Thailand:55. Amnuay

UK:56. Austin Shin

Please note that for those players who are checking in on 8th Dec, please proceed to register on the 6th floor function room where the playing area is located. All those players who are checking in earlier can check in at the reception counter.

Please also note that all Open players are requested to register by 5pm on 8th Dec.

I look forward to seeing all of you in 2 weeks time.

Michael Tang
Organising Chairman

Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006 Update (email from Michael Tang dated Sept. 09, 06)

Dear fellow Scrabblers,

I am pleased to inform you of the following special package at the Zon Regency Hotel, formerly known as Eden Garden hotel, for the Causeway Scrabble Challenge 2006 from 8 till 10 Dec 2006.

Double Occupancy: RM350 (US$95)
Single Occupancy: RM450 (US$123)

Please note that the above package include the following:

- 2 nights of accomodation on 8th and 9th Dec
- 6 meals, i.e. Dinner on 8th, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on 9th, Breakfast and Lunch on 10th

Please e-mail to me your choice of package ASAP as I need to make prior bookings with the hotel. Please note that you need to settle payment with me in cash and I can accept any equivalent currency to your convenience. For those players who wish to stay beyond the tournament period, please contact me directly and I will get the special package for you too.

I would also like to take this opportunity to update all players for the team event. The following players have so far confirm their participation or qualified in their respective country:

Australia:Andrew Fisher
Naween Fernando
David Eldar
Chris May
Edward Okulicz

Singapore:
Tony Sim
Cheah Siu Hean
Goh Jiang Pern
Hubert Wee

Malaysia:Ganesh
Nigel Richards
Aaron Chong
Pui Cheng Wui

Philippines:Odette Rio
Ronald Credo
Teodoro Martus
Roger Parchamento

Thailand:Taewan

I shall send another update once I have the complete list of players for the team events. I am also glad to inform you that this year Open Division attracts players from all the 6 countries above and I hope all interested players for the Open section will send me their registration ASAP together with their accomodation requirment.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in exactly 3 months time.


Michael

Organising Chairman

2nd Leg Candidates Match and Open Division Results

Odette Rio captured the 2nd Leg of the Candidates Match which was held in the Old Chapel of Camp John Hay, Baguio City on September 2-3, 2006. Rio had the title as early as round14 when she toppled Roger Parchamento, 395-420 and erected a 3- game lead against closest pursuers. Rio finished the first day with 7-2 win-loss record behind Col. Andy Aquino also with 7-2 card but with superior spread.

The only loss of Rio in the second day was at the expense of Ronald Credo who beat her in the final round, 377-434. Credo finished 2nd over-all with 11-5 win loss card. At board 2, Teodoro Martus, Jr. outlasted Nora Labog, 421-370 for 3rd place finishwith 10-6, +478 spread. Robbie Onate had a better spread than Francis Dizon with 10 wins to finished at 4th place.

Special prizes were also awarded to Teodoro Martus, Jr. for high spread in a single game, +346 beating Mario Recedes 655-309 in round 4. The highest score in a single turn was won by Ronald Credo against Orville James Alagaban hitting a nine-timer LIBRATES hooking R to HOE with B on the third square, scoring 162 points.

Meanwhile, the Open Division was contested by Malou Flores and Ver Morales in the last round, and she prevailed, 425-376 to capture the top prize. Lorenzo Bacani placed 2nd after beating Michael Farong-ey, 450-290. Ver Morales dropped to 3rd place. Mark Monis finished at 4th place with 9-7, +611.

BBCS hosted the event headed by Huub Luyk and William Caluza as the Tournament Director.

Refer to the tourney results below:


A. Open Division

Final Standing after 16 rounds KOTH

1 Flores, Malou 12 +535
2 Bacani, Lorenzo 11 +1287
3 Morales, Ver 11 +858
4 Monis, Mark 9 +611
5 Farong-ey, M. 9 -347
6 Bintudan, Frederick 8 +472
7 Laking, Jimmy 8 +392
8 Penera, Edmund 8 -85
9 Espiritu, Sammy 8 -92
10 Bacani, Vladimir 8 -567
11 Luyk, Becky 7 -467
12 Tinipac, Herschelle 7 -615
13 Olas, Reynante 7 -706
14 Domingo, Joseph (Withdrawn)
15 Coilan, Orlando (Withdrawn)


B. 2nd Leg Candidates Match (16 rounds KOTH)

Standing after 9 rounds

1 Aquino, A. 7 +506
2 Rio, O.C. 7 +272
3 Credo, R. 6 +416
4 Labog, L. 6 +278
5 Parchamento, R.
6 +816 Rivera, O. 6 +12
7 Malonzo, A. 5 +233
8 Dimaano, D. 5 +54
9 Dizon, F. 5 -10
10 Alagaban, O.J. 5 -147
11 Basman, H. 4 +311
12 Martus, T. 4 +274
13 Onate, R. 4 -202
14 Marinas, R. 4 -260
15 Recedes, M. 4 -350
16 Pacifico, H. 3 +67
17 Gogoling, A. 3 -159
18 Luyk, H. 3 -438
19 Acain, C. 2 -257

Round 15 (Penultimate round) Pairing
- Board 1: Rio (12, +680) vs. Labog (9, +426)
- Board 2: Credo (9, +201) vs. Parchamento (9, +121)
- Board 3: Malonzo (8, +300) vs. Martus (8, +424)
- Board 4: Dizon (8, -53) vs. Rivera (8, +134)
And the results...
- Rio beats Labog, 408-388
- Credo beats Parchamento, 468-465
- Martus beats Malonzo, 389-392
- Dizon beats Rivera, 406-352

Round 16 (Final round) Pairing
- Board 1: Rio (13, +700) vs. Credo (10, +204)
- Board 2: Martus (9, +427) vs. Labog (9, +406)
- Board 3: Dizon (9, +1) vs. Parchamento (9, +118)
- Board 4: Malonzo (8, +297) vs. Onate (9, -179)
And the results:
- Credo beats Rio, 377-434
- Martus beats Labog, 421-370
- Dizon beats Parchamento, 378-306
- Onate beats Malonzo, 221-527


Final Standing (after 16 rounds)

1 Rio, O. C. 13 +643
2 Credo, R. 11 +261
3 Martus, T. 10 +478
4 Onate, R. 10 +127
5 Dizon, F. 10 +73
6 Labog, L. 9 +355
7 Aquino, A. 9 +211
8 Parchamento, R. 9 +46
9 Basman, H. 8 +539
10 Rivera, O. 8 +63
11 Recedes, M. 8 +17
12 Malonzo, A. 8 -9
13 Pacifico, H. 7 +80
14 Dimaano, D. 7 +13
15 Alagaban, O.J. 7 -209
16 Gogoling, A. 7 -212
17 Luyk, H. 7 -465
18 Marinas, R. 7 -469
19 Acain, C. 5 -527


Current Candidates Match StandingRank/Player/Cum Points/RecordedCum Sp
1 Credo, Ronald 40 +883
2 Rio, Odette Carmina 35 +1136
3 Martus, Teodoro Jr 32 +1462
4 Labog, Leonora 26 +335
5 Pacifico, Henry 26 +322
6 Alagaban, Orville James 22 +378
7 Onate, Robbie 22 +156
8 Aquino, Andronico 21 +211
9 Dizon, Francis 21 -16
10 Rivera, Oscar Jr 17 +250
11 Recedes, Mario 17 +218
12 Parchamento, Roger +17 -360
13 Malonzo, Antonio 16 -205
14 Luyk, Huub 14 -1302
15 Marinas, Ric 13 -1050
16 Acain, Carlos 12 -880
17 de Jesus, Teejay 11 +93
18 Palomo, Alberto 10 -19
19 Basman, Hyatt 9 +539
20 Dimaano, Delio 7 +13
21 Gogoling, Abraham 7 -212
22 Miranda, Mario 7 -267

The point system that was agreed upon by the players during the meeting of the 1st Leg Candidate Match is number of Wins + Merit Points.

Merit Points per Legs are as follows:
1. 1st place 10 pts
2. 2nd place 8 pts
3. 3rd place 6 pts
4. 4th place 5 pts
5. 5th place 4 pts
6. 6th place 3 pts
7. 7th place 2 pts
8. 8th place 1 pt
9. 9th place 1 pt
10. 10th place 1 pt

After the 4th Leg, the cumulative points total will be computed and the top 3 will represent Philippine Team to WSC 2007. If the players on top cannot make it,then the next in line will take their place.Please report any discrepancy on the above data. The Ratings Committee is keeping the Scorecards for verification.

The Ratings Committee will be posting the Ratings Update on September 15, 2006 covering the above tourneys results.

5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge (email by Michael Tang)

Dear fellow Scrabblers,

I am pleased to announce that the 5th Causeway Scrabble Challenge will be held at Zon Regency Hotel (formerly known as Eden Garden Hotel) in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from 8th to 10th December 2006.

I am also pleased to announce that we will have 6 countries in the Premier Division this year. Top 5 players from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines, Australia and India will be competing on a team event basis to see which country will emerge champion. The individual top prize for Premier Division is USD2,500.

As usual, we will also have an Open Division for those who did not make it to Premier Division. They will be competing in a 20-game tournamet with the individual top prize of RM2,500. (Exchange rate is USD1 to RM3.65 )

Below are the details of the tournament:Tournament: 5th Causeway Scrabble ChallengeVenue: Zon Regency Hotel, Johor Bahru Date: 8 - 10 Dec 2006Premier Division:Teams: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, The Philippines, Australia and India Qualification: Top 5 players from each country based on ratings of each country as of 30 November 2006 or earlier as determined by Scrabble Association of each country. The next player on the rating list will be invited if any of top 5 players could not make it. Format: 25 games (Team round-robin only, i.e. each country plays the other countries once)

Time per game: 25 minutes each
Dictionary: SOWPODS 2003
Challenge Rule: 5 points penalty per word challenged
Schedule:
Day 1, Friday 8th December 2006 (7 games)
1430-1815 Game 1-41815-1900 Dinner1900-2230 Game 5-7 Day 2, Saturday 9th December 2006 (12 games) 0730-0830 Breakfast 0830-1230 Game 8-11 1230-1315 Lunch 1315-1830 Game 12-16 1830-1930 Dinner 1930-2230 Game 17-19
Day 3, Sunday 18th December 2005 (6 games)
0730-0830 Breakfast 0830-1230 Game 20-23 1230-1330 Lunch 1330-1530 Game 24-25 1530-1600 Prize Presentation

Prize Money:

1st: USD2,500
2nd:USD1,000
3rd: USD700
4th: USD600
5th: USD500
6th: USD400
7th: USD300
8th: USD200
9th: USD150
10th:USD150

Registration: USD100
Open Division:Format: 12 Swiss No-Repeat and 8 King of the HillDictionary: SOWPODS 2003
Challenge Rule: 5 points penalty per word challenged
Time per game: 25 minutes each

Schedule:Day 1, Friday 8th December 2006 (3 games)
1800-1900 Dinner1900-2200 Games 1-3 Day 2, Saturday 9th December 2006 (11 games)
0730-0830 Breakfast0830-1230 Game 4-7
1230-1330 Lunch
1330-1830 Game 8-12
1830-1930 Dinner1930-2130 Game 13-14
Day 3, Sunday 10th December 2006 (6 games)0730 - 0830 Breakfast0830 - 1230 Game 15-181230 - 1330 Lunch1330 - 1530 Game 19-201530 - 1600 Prize Giving
Prize Money:

1st: RM2,500
2nd: RM1,000
3rd: RM700
4th: RM600
5th: RM500
6th: RM400
7th: RM300
8th: RM200
9th: RM150
10th: RM150

Registration: RM100
RM80 for students

I will be sending out another e-mail with accomodation package details at Zon Regency Hotel in due course.

Please send your registration to me either at http://us.f322.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=alchemist9189@gmail.com or you can call me anytime at my mobile no: +65 9189 9189.


Michael Tang
Organising Chairman

20th Brand Crossword Game King's Cup 2005

 Contents:

• King's Cup 2005 Details
• Preliminary Rounds Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 Report by Ricky Purnomo
• Complete Results (Standing after 27 rounds)
• Finals Game 1
• Finals Game 2
• Finals Game 3

King's Cup 2005 Details:
Venue: 1st floor, The Bangna Hall, Central City Bangna Shopping Complex

Dates: June 23-26, 2005

No. of Players: 77

Dictionary: SOWPODS
Challenge Rule: Free Challenge

Winner: Panupol Sujjayakorn
Runner-Up: Nigel Richards

Top Prize: $ 6,000.00

Format: The tournament begins with a 27-round preliminary (round 1-24 based on Swiss pairing system, the round 25-27 based on King-of-the-Hill pairing system), whose two finalists to play final with special rules: They have to play two games. If one of them win both games, then that player is the winner. But if they tie with a win and a loss each, a third game will be played. The winner, in this case, is the one who scores the most points when the scores from all three games are combined. (Note: Throughout the tournament, the spread capping enforced to a maximum of -/+ 350 points spread in a game. Also the Gibson rule is in effect in case there is a player who has won enough games to guarantee 1st place or a seat in the finals no matter how many games he or she loses thereafter.)

Flyer: For more details, refer to this link:  https://www.toucanet.com/brands05.html

Preliminary Rounds Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 Report (Excerpt from Ricky Purnomo's blog)

King's Cup First Day Round-up

Posted 24 June 2005

The first day of King’s Cup ended with the expected favourites leading the pack. After five rounds, 4 players out of 75 are still unbeaten: Nigel Richards (NZ) leads with 692 spread, followed by Helen Gipson (ENG) who is on track to win the newly-introduced best female player prize. Locals Jakkrit Klaphajone and Komol Panyasophonlert round up the top four, who will be playing at the same table in the first two rounds tomorrow. Pakorn Nemitrmansuk is hot on their heels with the highest spread around and one game down.

 The Singapore / SA contingent top guns are all still clustered up together, with almost all of them having 3 wins out of 5 games. Goh Jiang Pern carries SA flag in the top 10, sitting at 7th place with 4 wins and 495 spread, losing his 4th game to Komol. Ricky Purnomo is the only other SA player with more than 3 wins with 3.5, courtesy of a draw with Thailand’s Weeraya K. Shim Yen Nee made a wonderful debut to the King’s Cup, winning her first 3 games including tough matches against Singapore no. 1 Cheah Siu Hean and Thai expert player Manop Phipatboonserm, before being pegged back at 3 wins.

 The top 20 after 5 rounds as follows (pardon the formating, apparently no Excel installed in the PC in the internet cafe, so I have to retype) (players are Thai unless otherwise specified):

1. Nigel Richards (NZ) 5-0 +692
2. Helen Gipson (UK) 5-0 +515
3. Jakkrit K. 5-0 +434
4. Komol P. 5-0 +370
5. Pakorn N. 4-1 +779
6. Elie Dangoor (UK) 4-1 +527
7. Goh Jiang Pern (SIN) 4-1 +495
8. Nawapadol S. 4-1 +378
9. Panupol S. 4-1 +364
10.Akegapun E. 4-1 +274
11.Femi Awowade (NIG) 4-1 +231
12. Douglas Lobo (IND) 4-1 +199
13. Roongroj H. 4-1 +186
14. Yeo Kien Hung (MAL) 4-1 +100
15. Taewan S. 4-1 -6
16. Ricky Purnomo (INA) 3.5-1.5 +75
17. Bro. Arun M. 3.5-1.5 +48
18. Andy Kurnia (SIN) 3-2 +342
19. Thavachai T. 3-2 +308
20. Sandra Morgan (AUS) 3-2 +267

 Positions of some other players that may be of interest: Tony Sim (SIN) 24th, Cheah Siu Hean (SIN) 27th, Ong Suanne (MAL) 32th, Sam Kantimathi (USA) 35th, Charnwit Sukkumrathanaporn (THA) 37th, Odette Rio (PHI) 40th.

King's Cup Second Day Round-up

Posted 24 June 2005

Day two saw Nigel reclaiming the top spot after round 12, after being dethroned earlier by two consecutive defeats to Pakorn N. and Nawapadol S. Pakorn and Komol led for a while before Nigel thrashed Pakorn with a spread of 326 to come out ahead of Komol.

 The battle for best female prize is hotting up, with Helen Gipson losing her last round by a heartbreaking 3 points, and Mallika M. (THA) and Odette Rio (PHI) slowly climbing up the standings.

 After 12 rounds, the standing begins to take shape with the more established player beginning to float up to the top of the table. The Singaporean / SA contingent is doing well enough with 2 players in the top 5, and 6 in top 20 (including a Malaysian and an Indonesian).

 The top 20 after round 12 as follows:

1. Nigel Richards (NZ) 10-2 +1215
2. Komol P. 10-2 +966
3. Pakorn N. 9-3 +726
4. Andy Kurnia (SIN) 9-3 +657
5. Cheah Siu Hean (SIN) 9-3 +557
6. Taewan S. 9-3 +322
7. Charnwit S. 9-3 +252
8. Panupol S. 8-4 +808
9. Elie Dangoor (UK) 8-4 +490
10.Nawapadol S. 8-4 +472
11.Hubert Wee (SIN) 8-4 +269
12.Montien C. 8-4 +253
13.Roongroj H. 8-4 +109
14.Jakkrit K. 8-4 +99
15.Ricky Purnomo (INA) 7.5-4.5 +289
16.Goh Jiang Pern (SIN) 7.5-4.5 +288
17.Alex Tan (MAL) 7.5-4.5 +52
18.Marut S. 7-5 +533
19.Manop P. 7-5 +339
20.Mallika M. 7-5 +317

 Other players that may be of interest: Helen Gipson (UK) 21st, Odette Rio (PHI) 22nd, Femi Awowade (NIG) 23rd, Alastair Richards (AUS) 26th, Tony Sim (SIN) 29th, Sam Kantimathi (USA) 37th, Ong Suanne (MAL) 39th.

 If there is request to follow any particular player, I’ll try my best to update.

King's Cup Third Day Round-up

Posted 26 June 2005

After 3 days and 20 games, Nigel Richards still remains atop the standing in King’s Cup. The combined forces of the Thai players have so far kept Nigel from running away, with world champion Panupol S. on the same number of wins and slightly behind on spread.

 Komol P., who was second behind Nigel at the end of the second day, hit a bad run and lost his first six games today,falling out of top 20 briefly before recovering with the last 2 games. Taking over his position was Panupol, who was the best performer of the day with a 7-1 record.

 The SA challenge was fading, with 4 members (including 2 foreign members) in top 20 after having 6 players in the previous day. The highest placed SA player is now Alex Tan (MAL), who raced up on the back of a 6-2 record. The previous front-runners Andy Kurnia and Cheah Siu Hean were hampered by 3-5 and 2-6 results respectively.

 The international field finally warmed up to the challenge, with representatives from Nigeria, the Phillipines, USA, and Australia pushing their way into the top 20. International players from 9 different countries currently outnumber the Thais 11 to 9 in the top 20, but the Thai top guns still hold court in top 10, and most dominantly in table 1 keeping Nigel in check.

 Top 20 positions after 20 rounds:

1. Nigel Richards (NZ) 15-5 +1456
2. Panupol S. 15-5 + 1305
3. Pakorn N. 14-6 +869
4. Charnwit S. 14-6 +328
5. Alex Tan (MAL) 13.5-6.5 +384
6. Marut S. 13-7 +1331
7. Helen Gipson (UK) 13-7 +955
8. Nawapadol S. 13-7 +598
9. Jakkrit K. 13-7 +471
10.Elie Dangoor (UK) 13-7 +401
11.Hubert Wee (SIN) 13-7 +237
12.Manop P. 12-8 +708
13.Komol P. 12-8 +650
14.Femi Awowade (NIG) 12-8 +491
15.Andy Kurnia (SIN) 12-8 +477
16.Odette Rio (PHI) 12-8 +464
17.Gerry Carter 12-8 +358
18.Sam Kantimathi (USA) 12-8 +163
19.Alastair Richards (AUS) 12-8 -37
20.Ricky Purnomo (INA) 11.5-8.5 +470

 Positions of some other players that may be of interest: Cheah Siu Hean (SIN) 24th, Ong Suanne (MAL) 25th, Tony Sim (SIN) 31st, Goh Jiang Pern (SIN) 32nd, Karen Richards (AUS) 40th.

 Some notable performances: Marut S. was the first to invoke the 350-spread-cap rule used in this tournament. He thrashed Montien C. 658-2xx (missed the score), but for any wins with more than 350 point spread, only 350 was recorded. Marut ended the day with another two 500+ games that helped him to have the second highest spread in the tourney.

 Helen Gipson (UK) played SERENITIES through TIE in her last game of the day in a losing effort against Gerry Carter.

King's Cup Final Quick Update

Posted 26 June 2005

Most of the top table games for the last round of King’s Cup has finished. The finals will start soon between world champion Panupol Sujjayakorn (THA) and multiple KC winner Nigel Richards (NZ). Panupol secured his spot in the penultimate round after beating Nigel. Nigel was re-paired against Panupol for the last King-of-the-hill round, and had to win to get into the finals, which he duly did.

 Helen Gipson (UK) and Odette Rio (PHI) were no. 3 and 4 respectively at the start of round 27, and played it out for the best female player prize. Helen had an additional incentive of the possibility of making it to the finals if Nigel lost and she won big. Odette was resurgent today, winning all of her game before this except for 1, which she lost to Helen. In this rematch, Helen won again to secure 3rd spot and best female player prize.

 All Singapore-based players fared not too well and faded away from top 20, except for Andy Kurnia who at the moment is 6th and playing Pakorn Nemitrmansuk (THA) for the 4th spot.

 Other results are still being tallied at the moment, and will be posted later this evening subject to internet access.

Complete Results:

(Standing after 27 rounds Preliminaries)

HIGH GAME: Pakorn Nemitrmansuk 638

Game 1:

Panupol defeated Nigel by +88 points spread.

Game 2:

Nigel took the second game 434-423 (11 point spread), surviving a beautiful MITzVAHS to an S by Panupol for 107. The rule for King’s Cup final third game says that the winner is the one with higher spread irrespective of wins, so Nigel had to win by more than 77 points for the last game to retain his trophy.

Play through by clicking Forward button or any part of the board.

NIGEL RICHARDS			PANUPOL SUJJAYAKORN
Rack	Word	Total	Rack	Word	Total
CEINPSU	PUNCE (24) h4	24	BBGIRST	BIG (15) i3	16
DEIIORS	IRONSIDE (70) 6e	94	BRRSTTU	BRUT (16) 5b	32
EFMMNN	FENMEN (22) l2	116	DNRRSTY	FYRD (22) 2l	54
ILOOQV?	QI (35) j2	151	ANRRSTY	ADRY (36) o1	90
ELOOUV?	OVERfOUL (74) c2	225	AENORST	ATONERS (71) m7	161
ACDEENW	COWED (30) 2b	255	INTTUWX	TUX (30) 8m	191
AEEGNOR	ONAGER (35) 1d	290	AILNTTW	WAUL (24) 8a	215
AADEFGK	KADE (33) l9	323	INTTVZ?	NERTZ (24) 12k	239
AFGLOST	ZAGS (42) o12	365	AHIMTV?	MITzVAHS (107) 15h	346
EFILOTT	FONT (28) k10	393	AIILOPS	AMI (16) 5k	362
EEEHILT	HE (16) 14i	409	AIJLOPS	JAP (34) 13g	396
EEIILOT	REOIL (7) f6	416	EILOS	ISLE (27) a1	423
EIT	ETUI (16) n6	432
(O)	(+2)	434

Final Board Position: Nigel 434- Panupol 423

Game 3:

Nigel had to win by +78 and above in order to beat Panupol, however, the latter won 393-347 with a spread of +46 to become the 2005 King's Cup Champion.

Play through by clicking Forward button or any part of the board.

NIGEL RICHARDS			PANUPOL SUJJAYAKORN
Rack	Word	Total	Rack	Word	Total
BBEGLMU	BUMBLE (30) h4	30	EGIMNRY	MY (28) i6	28
GKORRTV	KOR (30) 10f	60	AEGINRT	INTEGRAL (80) 8a	108
GIORTUV	OUTGIVE (22) d2	82	EEHQTUY	EQUITY (46) 6a	154
EIIIRUX	XI (38) c3	120	AEEEHLT	LATHEE (39) a1	193
EEFIIRU	FEIRIE (31) i9	151	AEEEILN	ALEE (22) h12	215
ACHNSSU	CHAS (26) 11d	177	EINNPPT	PENNE (10) 15d	225
DINNRUS	BRUIN (14) 4g	191	FIJOPST	FOP (28) 5k	253
ADENOOS	DOO (14) 6l	205	IJOSTTW	JOWS (20) o3	273
AAEENSV	ALIVE (9) 13g	214	AAIITT?	TAI (11) 9a	284
ADEENSS	ER (3) i3	217	AIOTW??	AW (30) 10a	314
ACDENSS	ASCENDS (85) 2h	302	DILOT??	DOILTEst (64) k8	378
ADGNORZ	AZON (45) 1e	347	IR	RIP (5) d13	383
			(DGR)	(+10)	393