Erave Berofsky in late lunge past Webb

Just when it seemed that defending champion David Webb (right of photo) was on course to claiming his third Malta International Scrabble Open title in a row, the Canadian Evan Berofsky (left of photo) rallied to beat him in the last two games, equalling the Englishman's number of wins and edging past him by a marginal points difference of five. (Click here to view the last game on video.)

 

In the 25 games of the Main Event that were played out against the scenic panoramic views in the meeting room of the be.Hotel, the Maltese flag  flew high again after the exploits in the Early Bird.

 

Theresa Brousson confirmed her serious comeback by placing third behind Webb. In the B Division, Moira Fenech won comfortably with Josephine Mayo placing third with the Indian from Kuwait, Shakir Reshamwale snugly sandwiched between the two Maltese ladies in second place. Cecil Muscat, who pioneered the MISO way back in 2007,  won the 2nd Ratings Prize in the A Division, while another Maltese UK expat, Joe Caruana, took the 1st Ratings Prize in the B Division, ahead of Paul Steadman of England who placed second. 

 

The most surprising and commendable result of the three-day event was registered by Ruth Macinerney, who won 1st Ratings Prize in the A Division. The brave choice by the English lady to play in the higher division certainly paid off with the English lady winning money and rating points.  

 

The 10th MISO comes to a close with the two-day Late Bird on 3-4 May. 

 

(penned and published by Nicky Vella Laurenti)