Martus shines in scrabblefest

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s pride Engr. Theodoro Martus Jr., the country’s top scrabble player finished 15th in the annual Causeway Challenge in Johor Bahru, Malaysia held over the weekend.

This is a major improvement for Martus who was 25th last year.

A University of the Visayas (UV) alumnus, Martus even came close to a top five position among the 48 participants from 15 different countries.

He unfortunately lost his last three games.

He lost to Singapore’s number one player Hubert Wee, which dropped Martus to a chance to be in the top 8.

His woes compounded when he fell prey to Nigeria’s top player, Nsikan Etim, in the final match.

“To be in the top 25 last year and now in the 15th and almost landing to the top five spots is already an achievement and a great improvement for me.

“I will make it better next year. Well, top three or another championship title is just around the corner,” said Martus.

Interestingly, Martus was awarded with a special scrabble board at the end of the tournament after winning the highest score game of 702 points during his match against USA’s number four player Jesse Day.

During the match, Martus scored 175 points for the word “DIOXANES” and “SHAMBLED” for 102 points, “OVERTIRE” for 82 points and “SWIFTED” for 85 points.

“To reach 700 points is amazing in scrabble because not all the time a player can score 700 points that’s why I was awarded,” said Martus.

The top ten finishers were Pakorn Nemitrmansuk, Nigel Richards, Hubert Wee, Komol Panyasoponlert, Jakkrit Klaphajone, Conrad BB, Thacha Koowirat, Marut Siriwangso, Marlon Prudencio and Cheah Siu Hean.

His next international tournament will be the King’s Cup Scrabble Tournament this coming June in Thailand and he will be the country’s representative for the World Scrabble Championship on 2013. (FREEMAN)