Day Three

Junior Women

The third day of play was calmer, as most of the teams had only one game. Canada got an easy win over Finland, 17-5, and the USA beat the Japanese girls – allowing them only six points. Great Britain and Australia played a much tighter game than the score may indicate; time ran out and the final score favored the kangaroo girls, 11-7. Canada and the US look to be favorites for the fi nal match, but the battle for bronze is a toss-up; Sweden, Finland and Japan will most likely fi ght for this spot.

Master’s Division

The Americans had an easy day, rolling over both their opponents and allowing only 8 points. Great Britain, Finland and Japan we also undefeated yesterday. The Finns had a close match against the Germans with a final score of 18-17, in favor of our most gracious hosts. Germany also lost a close one to Japan, 15-17. Canada allowed the Russian team to score 4 before shutting them down. But Canada had trouble holding back Sweden, who fought hard but lost, 13-15. G.B. also got a good game out of the Swedes, winning 17-12.

Women’s Division

Team Canada won both their games on Tuesday, and will fi nish fi rst in the A pool. Japan will likely take fi rst in the A pool, though they lost a thriller yesterday to Australia by only two goals. Tiebreakers place Finland ahead of Australia in the pool. The aforementioned teams will probably remain in contention for the fi nal, along with USA, Great Britain, Sweden and Germany.

Mixed Division

USA and Australia had a rematch of sorts yesterday, as they scrimmaged against each other just a few days ago in Stockholm. The USA won that game, and won this rematch, 17-11. USA play pool leader New Zealand tomorrow morning for 1st place in pool A. Germany, Australia and Finland are fi ghting for the fi nal spots to advance. Canada leads pool B, and had an easy win over Japan yesterday. The Czech Republic almost lost a close one the France, and Great Britain squeezed by Japan.

Open Division

Tonight’s feature game is a repeat of the 2003 UPA National Championship final. Furious George won the final, 15-12, and the Condors have longed for a rematch. Expect World championship-quality play from both teams, with defense playing a key role in the end result. Japan will defend its unbeaten record tomorrow against Germany and Finland, both of which are looking for their chance to break out. Finland defeated Germany 16-13 in a close game yesterday. Canada has an arguably harder schedule tomorrow, as they face Great Britain before their stadium showdown with the USA.

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Paul Liu aims for an opponent during the first round of Guts competition on Tuesday; play continues today. (Photo by Jesse Weisz)