The first of two Qualifiers for the European Championships at the Juniors level is under way in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The Belgian team is currently leading the standings after two victories against Austria and Great Britain. The Austrians are in second with a 2-1 record. Sweden and Switzerland are also trying to clinch a berth in the championship. The tournament last until Saturday with the best two squads playing a best-of-three final series after a round robin preliminary round.
The second qualifier is starting next Monday in Miejska Gorka, Poland with Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, the Ukraine and Lithuania. The European Championships Juniors are scheduled for August 3 to August 9 2009 in Bonn, Germany (official website).
Results Eskilstuna:
Monday July 28:
Great Britain – Switzerland 16-1
Sweden – Austria 0-12
Tuesday July 29:
Belgium – Austria 15-8
Switzerland – Sweden 7-6
Wednesday July 30:
Great Britain – Belgium 2-14
Austria – Switzerland 13-3
Standings:
- Belgium 2-0
- Austria 2-1
- Great Britain 1-1
- Switzerland 1-2
- Sweden 0-2