PHOTO: AFP
The Quetta-based teenager, who had started the day in fifth place, won seven rounds in the 24-round event but lost three.
“I know I have a good chance of winning the championship now,” Abbasi told The Express Tribune. “I feel good since I managed to defeat Singapore’s Nicholas Hong. He is my toughest opponent so far. ”
Abbasi pulverised Nicholas 593-285 to take the top spot by the end of the 15th round.
Nicholas is currently at the top with 15 wins while Abbasi has 14 to his name out of the 19 rounds he has played so far. He lost his last match of the day to New Zealand’s John McNaughton 494-280.
Out of the 10 players Pakistan are fielding in the competition, brothers Hasham Hadi, Hassan Hadi and Hammad Hadi along with Talha Mirza and Mariam Arif are among the top 26.
According to Pakistan Scrabble Association Director Tariq Pervez, Sri Lanka and New Zealand have been the most improved sides this year.
Meanwhile, 2013 WYSC champion Moizullah Baig finished second next to World Champion Nigel Richards in the seniors’ category after winning 12 out of 18 games.
“It’s a great achievement for Moiz and for Pakistan,” said Pervez. “He competed against the most challenging players from around the globe and finished second to Richards, who is the greatest scrabble player of the era.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2015.
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