New Zealand has a new Scrabble champ - Times

New Zealand has a new Scrabble champ – Times

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New Zealand’s 43rd Scrabble Champion Lyres Freeth, left, and New Zealand Association of Scrabble Players president Dr Cathy Casey at Howick Bowling Club.

Auckland Scrabble player Lyres Freeth has become New Zealand’s 43rd Scrabble Champion.

After a thrilling weekend in Howick, Freeth won 18 of her 22 games to fend off a strong field of experienced international players and grand masters from New Zealand and overseas.

Her win was all the more exciting because Freeth returned to the championship after nearly two years off from competitive Scrabble after having a baby. It is her first national win. After the weekend, Freeth is now ranked third in the New Zealand rankings. Her husband Dr Alastair Richards is ranked number one in New Zealand and is the current world champion.

C Grade winner Laura Griffiths was playing in her first national championships and won 16 of her 22 games.

Another exciting win at the national champs was a stunning performance by Christchurch Scrabble Club player Laura Griffiths in C grade. Griffiths was playing in her first national championships and won 16 of her 22 games. She also won the Georgie Trophy for the most improved player. After the weekend she has moved up 17 places from 62nd in the New Zealand rankings to 45th.

The tournament, held at Howick Bowling Club in Selwyn Road over the King’s Birthday weekend, attracted 68 players from all parts of New Zealand and of all ages and occupations. Whangarei Scrabble Club took out the team prize.

For the full results of the National Championship or to find out more about New Zealand Scrabble and where you can join a club go to scrabble.org.nz.