Mindreaders and wise teens enjoy junior heats

Dubai: The second round of the Gulf News Blockbusters in Abu Dhabi was a popular hit with juniors across the Emirate participating in the trivia-style game.

Al Mamoura Auditorium was packed with eager juniors who dragged their parents to the event in hopes of showing off their skills. Sixteen juniors participated in the first round of the qualifiers.

The event started off with the Gulf News Radio One personality, Fadi, as the quizmaster. Although much of his humour was targeted towards the adults, the juniors managed to smile awkwardly when they did not have their hands on the buzzer.

The night saw a variety of talent from youngsters who could answer questions before they were finished being read out to teenagers who were wise beyond their years.

The level of questions ranged from incredibly easy questions such as, "'J' is for what first month of the year?" to difficult questions such as, "What 'H' is the covering on an animals foot?" The answer, incase you do not know, is "hoof".

"Some are tough and some are easy, but the challenge is who gets it first," Fadi told the participants.

The sixteen juniors went head-to-head and came out with eight winners, then four, then two.

Dynamic participants

The last two contestants, Roshan and Elson - both very dynamic characters - impressed the crowd with their ability to know the question. "'C' is for what capital in...". 11-year-old Roshan pressed the buzzer before the new quizmaster Schooly, from Radio One, could finish it.

Roshan paused for a moment thinking he should have heard the full question, while the audience laughed. "Cairo," Roshan said hesitatingly.

Schooly looked around to see if there was a mirror showing the question. "Roshan is a mind reader, people," Schooly said.

Elson and Roshan squared off for the first two games and winning came down to the last question. The looks on both of their parents' faces were tense, trying to keep from cheering their kids on.

Proud parents

The animated Roshan and Elson sitting at the edge of his seat had their hands on the buzzer for the last question that would take the winner to Dubai to face off with other juniors.

Fourteen-year-old Elson Joy pressed the buzzer and answered correctly, sending his parents to leap out of their seats.

After the new star for the night walked off stage surrounded by his family and friends, Elson revealed his secret.

"I didn't really do any training, but in my school, Abu Dhabi Indian School, we have lots of quizzes like this," he said.

The night saw a variety of talent with youngsters who could answer questions before they were finished being read out.