Either dictionary — makes no difference

The major CSW international tournament on American soil, the World Players Championship, is played out in Dallas, home of organiser (and current NASPA co-chair) Chris Cree (US). The 32-round event features 28 players from seven countries. Nigel Richards (NZ), defending champion from two years ago, wins ahead of current world champion Pakorn Nemitrmansuk (Thai) and Chris May (Aust). All three finish with 24 wins, but Richards has a vastly superior margin. Final results at www.scrabbleplayers.org/tourneys/2010/csw/xt/08/f03.shtml.

Richards backs up a few days later by winning the National Scrabble Championship (25-6), played with the TWL word source and under North American rules. Last year, he was pipped at the post for this title by Dave Wiegand, after romping home in 2008. Clearly, the US is a happy hunting ground for Richards, whatever the word source.