Malta Open between May 2-4

Over 36 foreign and 24 Maltese players will be converging on the Topaz Hotel between May 2 and 4 for the first Malta Open tournament.

The Malta Scrabble Club, organisers of the Malta Open, have been in existence for 24 years. Members meet twice a week at the Malta Playing Fields Association in Floriana. Currently, there are 26 players taking part in the National League.

Scrabble is one of the most popular board games in the world. It was invented by Alfred Butts, an American, in 1931. It is sold in 121 countries in 29 different languages and over 100 million sets have been sold.

Having so many foreign players for the Open was a surprise for the organisers.

Players will be coming from the UK, Ireland, Israel, Romania and possibly Nigeria. The tournament is sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority.

The highest rated player taking part in the Malta Open is Jared Robinson, from England. Local hopes rest mainly on Malta champion Theresa Camilleri's shoulders.

Camilleri, who also excels in squash, finished a creditable 26th (out of 104) in the World Championships.

David Delicata, six times national champion and youngest player in the Malta Scrabble Club, will also play in the Malta Open.

One may obtain more details by phoning 21-332583 or 9929-0209 (cmicallef@parkwell.com.net).