KARACHI: Pakistani youth scrabble players put up a grand display of word power to outplay Singapore comprehensively in the quarter finals of the Gladiators WESPA Youth Cup 2021.

Pakistan crushed a strong Singapore team comfortably by 21 games to 11 to reach the semifinals against Sri Lanka.

Reigning national champion Syed Imaad Ali was in sizzling form winning all six of his games today. Imaad kept making stunning comebacks after trailing early in the games, but made sure to cross the line first.

Newcomer Ali Salman finished second among the Pakistani players winning 5 of his six games today. Hasham Hadi Khan made the highest score of 618 in the quarter finals.

In the other quarter finals, Sri Lanka beat Australia 24 games to 12 to book a place in the semifinal against Pakistan. Imethe De Silva was the star with 5 wins.

One of the favorite teams in the tournament Thailand beat Hong Kong 22-14. Napat Vajaranurathorn being the star with a 5-1 record.

The most exciting and thrilling quarter final was between India and Malaysia which ran neck to neck till the very last move. Malaysia was almost certain of a win but a mistake in the very last move by their top players gave India victory by 19-17. India, thus qualified to the semifinals to meet Thailand on Saturday (6th February).