c4countdown

So, we're now just 10 days away from the start of the Series 66 finals, and while this series' best bits have really been nearer the start of the series, we might be able to pull a cracker or 2 near the end, if results go "our way".

As I'm sure you don't need reminding, our current half-octochamp is Ben "2 x 59's" Nicholson, who has somehow managed to win 4 shows, despite winning with 2 scores of 59........... , and amazingly, a win today will pretty much guarantee him a spot in the finals, but he's gonna be in for a rough ride methinks............

Because his opponent is none other than the Apterite and occasional c4cer, Jonathan Rawlinson, who if luck goes his way, could even become only the 3rd person in Countdown history (after Gareth Williams in Series 23 and Bhavin Manek in Series 36) to win the last 8 shows of the series, and then come back for the finals on the next show, or in plain English, be on 9 (that's NINE ) consecutive shows.

But am I jumping the gun here, maybe...........

In Dictionary Corner, making her debut this week, is an businesswoman, TV presenter and entrepreneur, famous for being the runner-up in the first series of The Apprentice, back in 2005, it's Saira Khan.

Join Jack later, so he can eye up his possible competition.

Great debut Jon, well played.

Also, to mark the one-year anniversary of the passing of the great Ralph Gillions, I must tell you what a lovely smile you have.

Well done Jonathan on a very good first win.

R 11 - DOORWAY for a DC beater.

If Jonathan had got DOORWAY, he'd have had a max game! Very unlucky there although I'm surprised you missed PARODY.

Other than that, a fantastic debut! Very composed with some lovely spots. Looking forward to tomorrow.

TRIAGED in round 3 and FARINA in round 8.

Not only did Jon get a good win, he also just became Rob Gibney's best friend, he secures his spot in the finals because of Jonathan's win.

Jesus, 14 max game in debut? Sick man. DREADFUL was a beautiful spot and ARONIA too.

When Jonathan told me he was on today, I knew I was in for a treat. I almost paced him, losing by 5 in the end.
Anyway great play "the kid"!

Equaller in R1 was HOMIEST and I had HOORAY in R11 later beaten by DOORWAY. Did the second numbers by 450-61.

Tony Atkins wrote:When Jonathan told me he was on today, I knew I was in for a treat. I almost paced him, losing by 5 in the end.
Anyway great play "the kid"!

Yeah, phenomenal, matched him in most rounds, although he beat me with ARONIA and DREADFUL, although I got back in with HOORAY in round 11, but needed the conundrum to beat him.

But, a 14-MAXER on debut is MEGA AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

We'd appreciate that calibre at COHUD, not that we haven't got it already.

Well played Jon. Great debut. I hope you're still playing when I recap next Monday's show, which you will be if you keep playing like that. I think the last person to get 14 maxes was this chap.

VWP Jonathan. 6 months practise really helped your game!

So is that the lowest total by a 4 time champ in the 15 round era?

James Robinson wrote:Because his opponent is none other than the Apterite and occasional c4cer, Jonathan Rawlinson, who if luck goes his way, could even become only the 3rd person in Countdown history (after Gareth Williams in Series 23 and Bhavin Manek in Series 36) to win the last 8 shows of the series, and then come back for the finals on the next show, or in plain English, be on 9 (that's NINE ) consecutive shows.

Back in the days when draws meant that you came back the next day, you could be on 9 consecutive shows for that reason. Ten for Lew Schwarz!