Cebu's Martus pockets P50T in Baguio International scrabble tourney

CEBU, Philippines - Decorated Cebuano scrabble player Teodoro Martus Jr. bagged the second place honors in the Baguio Centennial International Word Builders Tournament recently at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City.

The 23-year old Industrial Engineer from the University of the Visayas accumulated total of 21 wins in 33 games with +1,126 spread points to take home P50,000.

“I’m not satisfied with my performance because I wasn’t able to win the championship. I’m still not fully-equipped with the word knowledge that’s what I needed to work on from now. But despite of my failed goal, I was still happy because I was able to retain my position being the country’s number one player,” said Martus.

Martus improved his ratings from 1932 to 1951.

Reigning world champion Nigel Richards snatched the champion’s trophy that went along with the US$4,000 cash prize with a 28-5 win-loss record.

“He was indeed a genius. He was like a computer program, all the moves that he made were almost perfect. Since then, Richards was my idol and finally I was able to meet him face-to-face during our match. It was an opportunity to play with him. I was aiming to defeat him but I guess it’s not yet my time,” said Martus in admiration of Richards.

RP’s No.2 Odette Carmina Rio and Australia’s no.2 word wizard Chris May secured the third and fourth places with identical 21-12 records. Rio had a better placing owing to her superior +992 spread points as againts May’s +822.

Another Cebuano entry Renante de la Cerna grabbed the fifth spot with a 19-14 win-loss mark, while Thailand’s Pakorn Nemitrmansuk wound up sixth with a 19-14 card.

Completing the top 11 cast were RP’s no.3 Roger Parchamento, Ronald Credo (+1016 sp.), Antonio Malonzo, Tony Sim of Malaysia, and Vannitha Balasingam.

Martus expressed his gratitude to the UV Administration especially the Gullas family and the UV Alumni through Atty. Joseph Baduel for their all-out support in every tournament he is joining in.

“It was a great and memorable experience that I would remember in my entire life. I wasn’t expecting that I can face the top players from other countries and was able to defeat them during the tournament. It was a dream that was made into a reality,” said Martus. – Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)