The National Technical Director of Nigerian Scrabble Federation (NSF), Mr Mpakaboari Jack, has described the 9th edition of the Port Harcourt National Scrabble Open as a mark of progress in the world of Scrabble.

Jack, who made this known to Tidesports at the finals of the two days tournament held at the Nigerian Air Force Primary School, Port Harcourt, said that the Scrabble development in Nigeria is on the rise and would soon catch up with that of football.

However, the three categories packaged tournament which attracted people from all walks of life was a success for the Federation.

At the end of two days Jolly tournament, Mr Eta Paul Oghenekaro, who participated in the masters category emerged the over-all winner carting home the star price of N100,000.00.

In other categories, Mr Ben Quick Pen of Bayelsa State and Mr Oyeleke Seun from Ibadan, emerged winners of the intermediate and open categories respectively while Arch. Patricia Okoye won the best female player award.

Dignitaries who graced the epic event include the President of NSF,  Mr Aka Toke, the secretary of NSF, Madam Uche Onwumeh and Ngozi Fubara, who is the secretary-general of the Rivers State Scrabble Federation.

Earlier, the President of NSF, Aka Toke who described scrabble as the game of the mind further urged all those who participated in the open category to step up their gains to another level.

He continued that, the tournament which had 104 participants will no doubt record a higher number of participants in the subsequent edition.