LILLE (France): The World Scrabble Championship came to an end here on Sunday with Brett Smitheram of England defeating countryman Mark Nyman in the best-of-five final.

Nyman, who won the world championship back in 1995, could do nothing as the in-form Smitheram played bingo after bingo and won each of the first three matches. The score 638-351 in the third match sealed it up for the champion.

Smitheram received a cash prize of 8,000 euros and a glittering trophy.

The third position also went to a Briton, Lewis Mackay, rounding off a perfect tournament for the British players.

Moiz Baig of Pakistan received the prize for the highest score in a single move.

In division 2, Nigeria’s Mpakaboari Jack defeated Sandy Nang of the US to win the trophy and the 3,000 euros cash prize. Howard Reiner of South Africa beat Daniyal Sanaullah in the third position playoffs.

It was another good day for the Pakistanis as no less than four of its players received cash prizes for finishing in the top 10.

Young Taha Mirza received the trophy for the best position among players rated under 1,100 while Ali Rashid won the award for the best player with rating under 1,200.

Monis Khan received the encouragement award for being the youngest player in the competition.

The Pakistan team returns home on Sept 7.

Published in Dawn September 6th, 2016