Allan Oyende returned to winning ways with victory over former world champion Wellington Jighere at the Scrabble Kenya tournament in Eldoret over the weekend.
Oyende, who had an unsuccessful East, Central and Southern Africa (ECASA) Scrabble championships title defence in Nairobi last month, won the Eldoret meeting with 14 wins in 18 matches.
"Finally I am here with victory after a big loss in the past two tournaments. I am on the right track," said Oyende, adding that he was using the tournament as part of his training for the world championships set for Las Vegas, America in July.
Oyende started brightly, winning all of his opening four matches before dropping one against Ugandan Edgar Odongkara in the sixth.
He was overpowered by Las Vegas-bound teammate Martins Mutahi in the 10th game, went down to Panasa president Adekoyejo Adegbesan in game 12 as well as defeat by Michael Gongolo.
Jighere, who is in the country on a youth trophy tour, was second as Gongolo completed the podium.
Top ten finishers
Allan Oyende
Wellington Jighere
Michael Gongolo
Nderitu Gitonga
Edgar Odongkara
David Kimani
Adekoyejo Adegbesan
Martins Mutahi
Sheriff Malek
Alvin Roberts
