Scrabble record breaker Toh steals the spotlight

SINGAPORE’S Scrabble whiz, Toh Weibin, 21, broke the world records for the highest game and spread in an official Wespa-rated tournament by crushing Rik Kennedy of Northern Ireland 850-259 in the 5th game of the Northern Ireland Scrabble Championship in Belfast on Jan 21. Toh eventually finished 4th in the championship.

The 6th Northern Ireland Scrabble Championship featured an array of top class players, including world No.1 Brett Smitheram and world No.7 Paul Gallen. Toh, who is currently ranked 38th in the world, took the torch of fame on the first day when he smashed the previous high score set by Mark Kenas. Kenas scored 739-285 against Sam Dick-Onuoha in the World Players Championship back in 2008. For the record, Kennedy, a reputable player himself, finished 17th in the 2009 World Scrabble Championship in Johor Baru and was ranked 88th in the world by the end of 2011.