Oregon Man Has the Final Word and Wins $10,000 at 2009 National SCRABBLE(R) Championship in Dayton, Ohio

Wiegand finished 25-6 with a +1728 spread in a final match that featured words such as ACINI (a small saclike division of a gland), NIDATION (implanted in the uterus) and WAWL (to cry like a cat). 2008 National SCRABBLE((R)) Champion and current World SCRABBLE((R)) Champion Nigel Richards, 42, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia finished second (25-6, +1593) and former World and National Champion Joel Wapnick, 63, of Montreal (22-9, +908) was third.

Nearly 500 word wizards from 40 states and several countries played for five days at the Dayton Convention Center. Competitors ranged from ages 10-92.

Internet coverage including standings, play-along games, color commentary and photos is featured on www.scrabbleplayers.org. For all things SCRABBLE((R)) visit the National SCRABBLE((R)) Association's website www.scrabble-assoc.com.