England’s Durand becomes World Youth scrabble champion
August 31, 2014
Durand was in great touch throughout the championship and remained on top almost right through the tournament. A defeat at the hands of Arham Abidi in the final match didn't have much affect on his position as he was declared the champion with two matches to spare.
Durand is the first ever youth champion to emerge from England.
Pakistan's Mariam Arif and Abdullah Abbasi remained in the hunt for the title till the end but couldn't dislodge a determined Durand.
Yong Jian Rong of Singapore just pipped Marian to the second position. He won 17 matches and has a spread of 1244.
Mariam Arif narrowly missed the runner up position after losing her last match and had to be contended with the third position. She also won 17 matches and had a spread of 1054.
The 14-year-old Abdullah Abbasi was the second Pakistani to finish among the top ten. He won 16 matches and had a spread of 966. He obtained ninth position.
Identical twins Hammad Hadi and Hassan Hadi finished 12th and 19th, respectively, having won 15 matches apiece.
Arham Abidi was the fifth Pakistani player in the top 20.
Defending champion and pre tournament favorite Moiz Baig had a colossal loss of form. The weight of expectations put him down. Moiz finished at disappointing 22nd while Pakistan's hero of the first day Absar Mustajab finished 34th.
Debutant Abbas Shabbir who started the final day on the 91st position made rapid strides to climb up to the 51st position.
Pakistan team remained on the No. 1 spot till the very last match but defeats suffered by top three Pakistanis in their final match pushed their country to the second spot behind Singapore.
