Bridge news

Play at the 28th European Youth Championships, in Veldhoven, is well underway, writes Julian Pottage, Bridge Correspondent. In the Under 16 event, England is in the silver medal position after eight rounds, but over a match behind Poland. In the Under 21 event, England is lying eighth after eight rounds, just in a World Championship qualifying position; Ireland is 14th. In the Under 26 Women’s event, there are only eight teams, so England is in line to qualify despite occupying last place after eight rounds. In the Under 31 event, Scotland is in 12th position after eight rounds, almost three matches behind eighth placed Israel. In the Under 26 Open event, England is in 13th place, over two matches behind eighth placed Croatia; Scotland and Ireland have found the event tough going, both having lost their first five matches.