WASHINGTON — Neetu Chandak had trouble catching her breath after learning Thursday that she had made the next round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. To burn off some of the energy, she starting playing peek-a-boo with her 6-month-old cousin.
“My heart’s, like, beating,” she said, fanning herself with both hands. “I’m not sure if anybody can hear me. I’m thinking, ‘What if I don’t make it?’ “
The 14-year-old from Seneca Falls, N.Y., had no reason to worry. She tackled both of her words with ease and was one of 48 spellers to advance to the semifinals. This is her fourth appearance at the bee, more than anyone else in the field.
Two Colorado spellers made the cut: Brian King, 13, of Colorado Springs, sponsored by The Denver Post; and David Phan, 13, of Longmont, sponsored by the Daily Camera. Brian spelled “fräulein” and “limitrophe” to move on, and David spelled “apothem” and “caponata.”
The semifinalists are all who remain of the 273 competitors from across the U.S. and around the world who gathered for the three- day competition. The champion will be crowned tonight on national television.
How to watch
The finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee will air at 7 tonight on ABC.
