Causeway Challenge 2011 - the journey

Today at 19:00 local time I arrived in Johor Bahru, Malaysia for the 10th and the last ever Causeway Challenge 2011.

This tournament which had begun as a battle between two Scrabble nations Malaysia and Singapore (connected by the Causeway on the Johor Strait - thus the name) is known to have attracted very good players in its past - mainly due to its prizemoney comparable with the Worlds but mostly thanks to it's geographical placement - close to Scrabble giant Thailand and also relatively close to Australia. It has also attracted some good players from Europe like Helen Gipson, Mikki Nicholson, Craig Beevers or Theresa Brousson.

I have decided to come to Malaysia again (after my World Scrabble Championship 2009 appearance) because I liked the Zon hotel and it's facilities plus I liked the way the Worlds were ran (with the great participation of Michael Tang).

So exactly 2 years after I left Malaysia in 2009 I came back here again.

And I must say - pretty much is the same as in 2009 but some things have changed, too.

1. The flight.

Despite the fact that unlike in 2009 this hasn't been my flight ever and I haven't experienced any extra stress the journey was just as awful. It looks like my stomach is not able to cope with digesting unfamiliar food in the state of total lack of body movement. I was very glad when we landed in Singapore after an 11,5h torture-flight.

2. The journey Singapore-Johor Bahru

Got very surprised here. Unlike in 2009 when all went very smoothely (I was picked up Michael and the taxi driver at the exit) this time nobody has shown up. After some texting with Michael plus an answered roaming call from him (will prove costly for me) I was picked up almost an hour later than agreed. Then the driver drove to another airport terminal and left me in the cab for 15 minutes. All this meant I arrived at the hotel 2h10 minutes after the arrival in Singapore and didn't make it for the registration (or at least that's what I thought) only to find out at 20:30 that the registration has been prolonged.

3. The hotel.

I'm staying on the 13th floor - just like in 2009 and, yes, there are still the same songs being sung on the stage situated in the middle of the hotel. I was very glad to hear Lionel Richie's "Hello" again :)

The hotel has changed on the outside - it is now more colourful, but on the inside it doesn't look as fresh as in 2009. Plus this time my room window isn't facing the Causeway and it's beautiful sunsets, which is a shame.

And one last confusing thing - I was surprised by the reception guy who told me, that only breakfast is included in the price of the stay. This is contrary to what has been stated on the Causeway Challenge site and I'm hoping it gets clarified asap.

I've already met some known faces here: Nicky Huitson, Amy Byrne and most notably the reigning World Champion 2011 - Nigel Richards.

I'm betting on Nigel to take this one, too.

The games commence tomorrow at 8:30 AM - just like during the WSC 2011 in Warsaw

Neverthelesss this tournament is going to be even more exhausting than the Worlds - the level of play will be much more even plus the prospect of playing 9/10 games for 4 days in the row is really challenging.

I hope I can make it through to Sunday.

And I can't wait to do some shopping :)

It's 22:50 here, so I'll have a rest now. 

Please keep your fingers crossed for me tomorrow and wish me luck!