EPSCA Rapidplay, Liverpool - 17th January 2009

Four young hopefuls from Sussex went north at the weekend to compete in the Liverpool Rapidplay EPSCA tournament which is the 4th of 7 tournaments that can count towards qualification to the England Trials later in the Spring.

Although the age limitation is U11, Otto Pyper and Cosima Keen were both attempting to get qualification a year early as under 10’s. Toby Harris went in search of his second half-norm having enjoyed success a month earlier in Halifax, whilst Charlie Keen rejoined the “circuit” having not played in any qualifying tournaments yet this season.

There were mixed fortunes with Otto, Cosima and Toby all narrowly missing out with scores of 3, 3 and 2.5, just short of the 3.5 points required. Charlie on the other hand managed to finish the day unbeaten with 4 wins and 2 draws which put him in joint 1st place, giving him a full-norm and automatic qualification to the England Trials.

Well done Charlie and hard luck on coming so close to Otto, Cosima and Toby!