Dubai: Gulf News Blockbusters returned to Dubai on Monday with heats three and four of the seniors' singles category after a week-long hiatus to the capital Abu Dhabi.
Excited parents gathered in the stands at the Kilachand Theatre in Mall of the Emirates to support their children and they were treated to a series of entertaining and closely-fought encounters.
The day's first heat was won by Flavis Thomas, a grade 10 pupil at Al Ain Junior School, who said his father had given him the confidence to perform well.
The 14-year-old said: "I was really nervous in the morning; I was actually quite down. But my father said God was with me and told me to do my best. His words really helped as I didn't really expect to qualify for the next round.
"I've been reading the dictionary a lot over the last few days to prepare and I learn a lot of new words just from speaking to my friends and family. Now I'll really put my heart into the competition and hopefully I'll go all the way."
Paurav Shah, a grade 12 pupil at Our Own High School - Al Warqa'a, said he only entered the competition for a bit of fun. But after emerging victorious from Monday's second heat he now thinks he has a chance of going all the way.
The 16-year-old said: "I didn't really come here with the intention of winning; I just wanted to enjoy the experience. I didn't prepare for the competition at all but once I got a few questions correct my confidence began to grow.
"Some of the questions were pretty easy but some of my other answers were just flukes. It helped having my friends and family in the audience to support me."
The audience prizes on Monday went to Aayush Raj Shekhar and Ravi Kumar.
