KARACHI: Pakistan’s dominance in the world of youth scrabble was demonstrated when 19-year-old Hammad Hadi Khan clinched the 29th Princess Cup Youth Scrabble Championship in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

According to the information received here, former world youth champion Moiz Baig of Pakistan led the tournament almost right through but was topped by compatriot Hammad in the final. At the end of round 18, the two Pakistani boys occupied the top two positions and qualified for the best-of-three final thus ensuring that the title goes to Pakistan.

Hammad beat Moiz 490-404, 494-428 to take the title and a cheque of $3,000. Yong Jianrong of Singapore claimed the third position.

Interestingly, this was the first time Pakistan has ever taken part in the Princess Cup as it is usually held at a time when most of the youth players in Pakistan are unavailable due to exams.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2017