California Banker Leads Field Of 350 At 2012 National SCRABBLE® Championship

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- After 12 rounds of intense play over the past two days, Jerry Lerman, 62, a Bank Risk Manager from Foster City, CA, is in first place with a 10-2 record and +941 point spread.  He leads a strong field of SCRABBLE^® experts competing for the $10,000 first prize at the 2012 National SCRABBLE^® Championship at the Royal Pacific Resort. 350 SCRABBLE^® enthusiasts ranging from 12 to 92 years old are competing in 31 rounds.

Conrad Bassett-Bouchard, 22, a realtor from Piedmont, CA is in 2^nd place with a 10-2 record and a +527 point spread, followed by Orry Swift, 25, a student from Houston, TX,   with a 9-3 record and a +611 point spread. 

Unusual words played today include: PIBAL (a small balloon used in weather fore-casting), YOWE (a ewe), AMITROLE (an herbicide), SANTOUR (a Persian dulcimer) and HERL (a feathered fishing lure).

The NSC competition continues with 7 rounds Monday, Aug. 13^th and Tuesday, Aug. 14^th.  The final 3 rounds will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 15^th to determine the 2012 National SCRABBLE^® Champion. The prize check will be awarded to the new champion at approximately 2:30 PM Wednesday. Live Internet coverage and photos are featured on www.scrabbleplayers.org.

About Hasbro:
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLESST PET SHOP,  NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY.  The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. Programming in the U.S. is distributed on The Hub TV Network, a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communication. Through the Company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SOURCE National Scrabble Association