A FORMER world Scrabble champion from Knutsford is hoping to reclaim his title at this year’s competition in France.

Mark Nyman, 49, who used to produce popular daytime gameshow Countdown and has worked with Carol Vorderman and the late Richard Whiteley, will travel to Lille at the end of August to compete in the five day tournament.

The tournament will see some of the strongest competitors in Scrabble go head to head, including current world champion Wellington Jighere, from Nigeria and three times world champion Nigel Richards from New Zealand.

“Nigel is my main competitor,” said Mark. “He will be the one to beat. He has won it three times now but hopefully he will struggle because he is playing in the French speaking world championships the day before so I’m hoping he will be preoccupied with the French language.

“I want to win but I would be happy to come in the top 10. I am well prepared this time, much better than I was last year. I’m the best I have been in a long time.”

Since Mark last competed, there are around 6,000 new words to learn. He told the Guardian that although he hasn’t learnt them all yet- he still has a week to absorb as much as he can.

He has also launched a tutoring business. For more information about lessons, visit scrabbletutor.uk