Sierra Leone Scrabble player Mohamed Alieu Kamara finished 5th place in the just concluded MindSports International Scrabble World Championship.
It was staged in Lille, France from August 31st to 4th September 2016. And it attracted huge number of Scrabble players from different countries across the world that competed in the event.
The tournament was structured into Division A and B and it comprises of English, French, Spanish and German Scrabbles. Kamara who happens to be an English Scrabble player was drawn in Division B based on his current rating.
On day one, two and three of the tournament, he won a total of 17 games, lost 7 and finished in 3rd place in his division. This result qualified him to the quarter finals.
The quarterfinals took place on day 4 Saturday 2nd September and he was drawn to play Jack Mpakaboari from Nigeria. Kamara won the first match but lost the second and third match to Jack Mpakaboari who became the eventual winner of division B.
After his quarter final match Kamara stated on his facebook timeline: “It’s been a wonderful experience competing with players around the world and a proud man representing my Mama Salone. It’s an honor to be part of world scrabble in the name of my beloved country Sierra Leone”.
“I am pleased to make it to the quarter finals and finish 5th position. I am going back to the drawing board to research and improve on my weaknesses. I appreciate all of my fans for their relentless support, “he said.
According to him this is the highest level Sierra Leone has ever reached in an international Scrabble tournament.
The new world champion is Brett Smitheran of England who beat Mark Nyman an English player as well.
By Magdalene S Konneh
Wednesday September 07, 2016