Len Elliott, whose hometown crossword puzzles appear monthly in the Auburn Reporter, recently defended his senior title at the Bay Area Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Alameda, Calif.

Elliott finished tied for sixth overall out of about 65 contestants.

The Auburn man frequently competes and scores high in regional and national competition.

Elliott finished third in the skill group at the 32nd American Crossword Puzzle Tournament in Brooklyn, N.Y., last year.