Theophilus Aryee Quaye, popularly called Nii Aryee, claimed the top prize at the special Top 8 Elephantine Draught Competition in Accra today, January 7, 2025, after beating the Michael Abu in a competitive final.

Nii Aryee triumphed 2-1 in the match of five pieces, with two of the games ending in draws.

It was a massive bounce for Nii Aryee who emerged from suspension from the game for more than a year to clinch victory following an impressive run.

Nii Aryee took home GH ¢2,000 for the top prize, while Abu, better known as Abu National, received GH ¢1,500.

Solomon Aryee, popularly called Ardey, beat George Afrifa, also known as Kickaway, 3-1 in the match for third place.

Ardey took home GH¢1,000, while Kickaway received GH¢500 for his effort.

Biggest surprise

The biggest surprise was Kickaway, once Ghana’s best draught player and long held as the standard of draught accomplishment in local circles who was also returning from more than two years of suspension.

He lost his opening match 3-1 to Abu National, but bounced back to win 4-1 against Yao Kumah and 3-1 against Michael Tei Sika, aka Teye, to reach the semi-finals.

He, however, met his waterloo in Ardey at that stage.

Nii Aryee had earlier accounted for Evans Koranteng 4-0 in their opening group game, beat Ardey 3-1, before beating Kickaway 3-1 in the semi-finals.

The holiday competition organised by the Greater Accra Draught Association, with sponsorship from Mark Essel (Menzgold).