Women expected to rule Baguio Scrabble Tournament

BAGUIO CITY - Scrabble enthusiasts here expect women word wizards to dominate the Baguio Scrabble Tournament, which takes place on Oct. 14 and 15 at the Villa Cordillera. Two-time defending champion Odette Rio is expected to come up to this city for a grand slam and prove one again that she's the one to beat here. In the past three years, she has won all but one of the nine tournaments she has joined. Just last month, Rio, along with local bet Malou Coronacion, dominated the Baguio Day Open, and now both are expected to claim dominion of the male-dominated sport. Rio has been the most dominating scrabbler since outside players started joining in 2003. If Rio wins, it will be her third straight title in the tournament. Coronacion upended Laguna-based player and former top-rated Vir Morales in the last round to win the open division of the Baguio Day special. Another woman to beat is Leonora Labog, the first Filipino player to score 700 plus points in a single game. Up to stop the march of women is top-rated and Candidates Match leader Ronald Credo, Rio’s virtual nemesis, and a bunch of other topnotch players like Antonio Malonzo, Andy Aquino, Mario Miranda, Hyatt Basman. Then there's also Baguio’s highest rated player, William Caluza, and 24-hour marathon winner Abe Gogoling. The Baguio Scrabble Tournament is backed by National Immigration Administration chief Arturo Lomibao, Villa Cordillera, and Lexico. Also giving support are the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, the Rotary Club of Baguio Sunrise, Alpha Pet Care, 50s Diner, Rumors, Benny Balajadia, Breathing Space, and Nestor Wong. - GMANews.TV