The Guyana  Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) national scrabble championships is set to commence tomorrow at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) Thomas Lands pavilion, where 24 other competitors will be competing against defending champion Fred Collins.

Eight (8) rounds of action will be held on the first day tomorrow, whilst the final two rounds will take place on May 30 and 31 at the Bank of Guyana Sports Club.

The tournament will be played on a round robin system, after which the top two players will face each other in a best of five finals on a date and venue to be decided later.

Collins should expect stiff opposition from second seed Abigail Mc Donald, along with the other seeded players in James Krakowsky, Moen Gafoor, Colin Chichester, Leon Belony and  Floyd Carmichael.

Over $115,000 in prizes and trophies will be up for grabs, with the winner receiving $50,000 and atrophy, whilst the first and second runners-up will each receive $30,000 and $20,000 and a trophy respectively.

Prizes will also be given to the player who scores the most bingos, highest individual play, highest individual game score and best newcomer in the tournament which gets underway at 0900hrs each day.

Meanwhile, according to a press release issued by the GASP, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony is expected to grace the opening ceremony with his presence and declare the tournament open by making the first play tomorrow.