Istanbul teams

A heavy defeat in their match against France left the U26s too much to do in their final three matches, but two good wins left them in 15th place, just 17 VPs behind a qualifying spot. It's impossible to tell how they've played at such a distance, but playing with only four players is a significant disadvantage and tougher than most appreciate. Their significant defeats were to Poland (6th), France (4th) and Netherlands Orange (11th) that suggests, despite all the practice, there is still some way to go to compete with the top (European) nations.

Leading the way in the event is USA-Blue, who finished undefeated and 46 VPs clear of the field and will have choice of opponent in the quarter-finals tomorrow. Like some of the other qualifiers this team has world-class players and full-time bridge professionals on board, it's a different world.

The Scottish U21s had a great final day, winning three of their five matches. As I've said before I'm sure that they've found it really tough playing vastly more experienced teams and it speaks volumes to their character, enthusiasm and energy that they have come through with such a performance. I look forward to meeting them at some of the Scottish tournaments over the next year.

Both will now play in a 2-day Board-A-Match teams. This format, requiring more matchpoints-like strategy, will be new territory as it is not a format that is popular in the UK. But it will be a good warm-up for the pairs competitions that start on Thursday.