LAHORE - Former World Youth Champion Syed Imaad Ali of Pakistan emerged as the early leader in the Pharmevo WESPA Youth Cup underway at Pharmevo House, Karachi. The world’s premier scrabble championship for players under 18 years of age has been played annually since 2006. For the second year in a row, it was being held online under the management of Pakistan, said a press release issued here. Imaad emerged as the early leader as at the completion of the first 12 rounds, he was on top with 11 wins and one tie. He has a spread of 1581. Another pre-tournament favorite Noah Slatkoff of Canada was currently 2nd with 11 wins and a spread of 1774 while Thomson Law of Hong Kong is 3rd with 11 wins and a spread of 1045. Nattapat Nak-in of Thailand and Hasham Hadi Khan of Pakistan are fourth and fifth respectively with 10 wins each.