Janet Adowei Scrabble Classics, Tourney attains International status as Ryan Jacob wins

Posted : 28 November 2023

Ryan Jacob from Akwa Ibom state has emerged as the winner of the prestigious 4th Janet Adowei Scrabble Classics, becoming the fourth winner of the annual championship in Lagos by defeating Olufemi Gbadebo from Ogun State in Round 17.

On his way to victory, Jacob gathered five wins from seven rounds on Day One and then proceeded to a massive nine straight wins on the board to finish as the overall winner with 14 wins, confirming his first major victory after defeating Olufemi Gbadebo from Ogun State.

He was thereafter presented with a cash prize of N500,000 naira.

Jacob, on the sidelines of the final, thanked the Akwa Ibom State government for the support in preparing him for the tournament.

"I was surprised by this victory! Firstly, I want to thank God for this success, and secondly, my training program being supported by the Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.

"This tournament wasn't easy, but it was just God's grace and training that took me through. I also appreciate Engr. Adowei for using the anniversary of his mother to bring players together for a good tournament."

Cyril Umebiye, Wasiu Hassan, and Joseph Okere finished in second, third, and fourth positions, respectively, earning 300,000, 200,000, and 130,000 naira in the 74-player tournament.

Six other players in the top 10 also received cash prizes.

In other spot prizes, Abiola Oyinloye emerged as the best intermediate player while Emeka Idomele picked the best Open player title.

Adebisi Adekansi played her way to the top as the best female player.

Some players also received cash prizes and gifts through a raffle draw, with Othman Abdulaziz from Kaduna going home with a complete set of a board.

The fourth installment assumed an international status with the participation of Dorothy Nalutaaya from Uganda. Incidentally, the JAMSC would be her first tournament in Nigeria.

Instituted by Engr. Ebikeme Adowei in honor of his mother, the competition has become a fertile avenue for discovering new talents and point-gathering by players.

The JAMSC, which began four years ago, has assumed a national status where players from across the country find fulfillment in participating.

Engr. Adowei, who is the immediate past President of the Lekki Scrabble Club, said he was elated and satisfied with the impact the tournament is having in the sport in the country.

"I'm very elated to see my Scrabble friends come around to honor me; I'm very satisfied. This tournament is dedicated to my Mum who supported me to play the game. I'm very pleased with the number of players who turned up.

"We decided to make it open so that it can spur many other young talents to get engaged meaningfully and also give them fame both at the national and international levels. I'm happy with the turnout at this edition of JAMSC."

In the same vein, President of the Police Scrabble team Femi Okunowo, who was on the ground to observe officers Dickson Iyelih and James Eteng, also gave glowing words to the tournament for the standards on display at the two-day competition.

The Chief Superintendent of Police said the organization put in place by the team was top-notch, and this would help players' performance in the mind game.

"The JAMSC is well-organized; you can see the serene atmosphere where players are competing without stress, the place is well-lit and calm. The players are happy, and I think this is encouraging. Other competitions can take a cue from it," he submitted.

Janet Adowei Scrabble Classics, Tourney attains International status as Ryan Jacob wins

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