What started as a relaxed gathering of people with a shared interest turned into an adrenaline-filled competition of three finalists showcasing their sudoku skills in front of a crowd.
Fifteen fans of the logic-based puzzle participated in the second annual Northeast Regional Sudoku Tournament held Saturday at Scranton High School. After three rounds narrowing the field, three finalists competed, each one solving the puzzles on an oversized dry-erase board.
Veterinary assistant Anissa Canova started seven years ago and enjoys how the puzzles force her to think. Last year, she won the beginner level of the tournament. Standing in front of group of onlookers in the school cafeteria, Ms. Canova showed her advanced puzzle-solving experience. She placed first in the competition.
"I like numbers and the challenge," she said after winning. "You definitely have to use your brain."
Mary Rhodes, co-organizer of the event and another fanatical sudoku puzzle solver, said the gathering brought fans of the puzzle together for a worthwhile cause. Proceeds went to the Employment Opportunity & Training Center, a nonprofit organization that promotes family and economic stability.
Second-place finisher Colleen Phillips used to work at EOTC, where a former co-worker introduced the game to her. Now, completing the puzzles has turned into a nighttime ritual that also involves her dog sitting on her lap.
"I like puzzles and mysteries," she said, showing off her second-place medal.
Contact the writer: rward@timesshamrock.com, @rwardTT on Twitter