August 13th - 16th

International Junior Team Tournament in Usdron, Poland

Congratulations to the Wales Junior Team on their performance at the “Poland 2010” competition held in Ustron.

The Wales team came a very creditable 9th out of 20 against strong opposition from the Czech Republic (the eventual winner), Russia, Serbia, England, Croatia, Norway, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, mixed European teams and home teams from Poland.

Wales was represented by :
                Under-17 board          Alex Bullen (2 / 7)
                Under-17 board          Davin Menon (3 / 7)
                Under-14 board          Philippe Rodgers (7 / 7)
                Under-17 Girls’ board  Megan Owens (4.5 / 7)

Philippe’s 7/7 made him the joint individual winner of the tournament (joint with a girl from Serbia playing in the Girls’ Section).

The main tournament was followed by a team blitz competition in which Wales came 7th out of 18.

The event proved to be an excellent mix of serious chess, cultural events (visits to the surrounding region and to the city of Krakow), and fun (a football match and  a disco). The organization of the tournament was first-class, the whole atmosphere very friendly, and the setting in Ustron quite wonderful. As well as all that, the host families offered a warm personal welcome to all guests, their generous hospitality being really to something remember.

Details of individual performances and team performances.

Report by Catherine Rogers

Report from Ian Eustis