2011 JICL – Junior Intercity League: Toward the final

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 2011 Junior InterCity League. At the moment we are entering the last round robin plays in the JICL. Rankings are taking shape in the four groups, with the teams in each group competing for the top three spots. 

With a few matches still to be played the rankings are:

Top 3 in the groups are close together (team Istanbul still has to play the match against team Roma for the 8th round).

 Bridge players are used to look at results such as the VPs shown above. But as organiser I would like to give you another view and mention some teams in particular.

  Have a look at team Kolkata from India, who in each and every round were there in time (which is 0.30-0.45 in the night in India when we start our matches). They have never missed a play day and the only time that they did not finish a match (very early in the morning for them) was because of very bad connections. An excellent commitment, and well done team Kolkata. 

And what you think about team Barcelona, a team of brave players – mostly new to the game – who gets beating after beating, but never give up? This really shows character, and I’m sure that the JICL will help them develop their bridge skills. 

  Team Poznan won from team Izmir with 25-5, while team Istanbul lost from team Izmir with 9-21. After teams Izmir disqualification all scores against team Izmir changed into 18 VP, which of course no one who places him/herself in team Poznan’s shoes would be happy with. But I’m sure team Poznan will give what they have in the 9th round, which still gives them excellent chances to end in the top 2 in their group. 

And what to think of team Prague 2 who only have 4 players, but never missed a single match (ok, they once or twice played with subs). 

The teams above are just a pick from all teams. I want to thank all teams for participating, enduring and sticking to the rules, thank you very much. 

  For the winner of the JICL I have a surprise in mind: They will get the opportunity to play a match against a real TOP team. 

For that I of course need TOP opponents. I already have two of the very top world class players lined up (be assured: everyone who plays bridge knows both of them) and I still need two more. 

This ‘Can you beat a junior?’ match will be played first half of April.
If you have ideas for toppers who are interested to play on BBO against our winners – thereby supporting junior bridge – let me know: jantien2011@hotmail.com 

Many thanks, 

Jantien