Inayatullah in the lead ahead of final day

Scrabble player placed first at Penang international championship.

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s Muhammad Inayatullah was in pole position on the third day of the Penang International Scrabble Championship 2013 after winning seven out of his nine games yesterday.

Inayatullah, part of an 18-member Pakistan squad, defeated teammate Tariq Pervez 436-400 in the 25^th round and replaced Singapore’s Wong Zhi Yaun in first place. He has so far registered a spread of +1166 after claiming 18 wins over three days of the event.

Inayatullah’s victories included wins over Malaysia’s Choo Zi Wei 375-326, Thailand’s Yannakit Sirisup 483-416 and Yaun 437-414.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Moizullah Baig finished the day at fifth place with +590 points. Javeria Mirza also continued to stay among the top 10 at the 50-player event, finishing in ninth place. Pervez was placed 10^th as Pakistan continued their impressive show at the international championship.

Khatri improves

A record four-time national champion Waseem Khatri also broke into the top 10 of the master’s category, winning eight out of 10 games yesterday.

After spending the opening two days languishing in 20^th position, Khatri hit back to defeat Australia’s Rod Talbot before beating Bob Jackman.

Pakistan Scrabble Association Vice-President Jawaid Iqbal was confident of Khatri finishing well at the event. “He finished among the top three,” Iqbal told The Express Tribune. “He’s capable and proved his ability. I’m confident he will win his remaining seven rounds in the championship.”

The championship will conclude today in Penang.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2013.

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