Abdulmumeen Jimoh has retained his Lekki Scrabble Classics title, confirming his class on the final day of the two-day championship with a game to spare. The championship was held recently, and Jimoh's victory solidifies his position as a top player in the sport. He accumulated a total of 15 wins and three defeats, with cumulative points of +1537 in Division A.
Jimoh's performance was impressive, as he overcame a loss on the opening day to secure more wins in the final seven rounds. He lost only two games to Wasiu Hassan and Precious Igali, showcasing his resilience and skill. His success in the tournament has positioned him as a strong contender for the African Championship title, scheduled to take place next month in Liberia.
The Lekki Scrabble Classics featured a strong lineup of players, with Emmanuel Ede ranking second with 14 wins and four defeats, and cumulative points of +155. Oluwatimilehin Doko, the African champion, finished third with 13 wins and five defeats, and cumulative points of +902. The tournament was well-attended, with a global audience viewing the games on YouTube and a large viewing screen provided for live streaming with commentary.
Jimoh dedicated his victory to his late elder brother, Saliu, who introduced him to Scrabble and was his driving force. He attributed his success to continuous reading, stating that it has been his key to staying power in the sport. Jimoh expressed gratitude to the Lekki Scrabble Club for organizing what he considers the best Scrabble tournaments in Nigeria.
The tournament also featured a Division B category, where Frank Ishekwene emerged as the top prize winner with 15 wins and three defeats, and cumulative points of +825. Peter Awonusi and Julius Adeyemi finished second and third, respectively, with 15 wins and 18 defeats, and cumulative points of +995 and +733.
In the newly introduced Children's category, Toyyibah Abdulsalam became the first winner with seven wins and a +928 cumulative points. She was followed closely by Bilal Olojoku with seven wins and eight defeats, and cumulative points of +897, and Yusuf Abdulsalam with six wins and eight defeats, and cumulative points of +1203.
The Lekki Scrabble Classics also attracted a contingent of players from the Ghana Scrabble Association, who expressed their admiration for the high number of top players at the event. The competition was well-organized, and Jimoh's victory marked a successful conclusion to the two-day championship.
Key points
- Abdulmumeen Jimoh defended his Lekki Scrabble Classics title with 15 wins and three defeats in Division A.
- Jimoh's success positions him as a strong contender for the African Championship title in Liberia next month.
- The tournament featured a range of categories, including Division B and a Children's category, with winners in each category.
