UK Youth Team Win Against France 3-2

The UK youth team has played its first match in the European Youth Go Team Championship. We were drawn against the relatively strong French team so we knew we needed to field our strongest team.

Unfortunately Ryan was not able to play in the U12 section, but Lea Wong stepped up making her debut appearance for the team. On paper we were in with a chance although it looked likely to depend on some very even games, but with grades potentially being out of date due to lockdown it was going to be tough.

Lea played first on board 5 and did well to secure a win by 2.5 points. Jacob stepped up next on board 1 playing a French 3 dan. I watched his game and it was a masterclass in how to convert a big central area into territory to take a comfortable win. So we were 2-0 up, needing one more win, but we expected to be slightly outgraded on the last three boards.

George and Daniel finished their games next, each losing. Their games were exciting - requiring them both to save some big groups under attack - but unfortunately both lacked enough territory in the end. So it was down to Sam, also making his debut appearance, to save the match. Sam (in at 2 kyu) was playing a French 1 kyu. His game lasted 2.5 hours, but in the end Sam had a comfortable win by resignation while about 60 points ahead, giving us the match.

Well done team! Alison Bexfield