15-02-2012, 08:15 AM
Thanks for the kind comments Robin,
A couple of things worth adding.
The adult entries for this particular stars barred event provided a highly suitable set of opponents for the juniors strong enough to enter it. This I know was not the reasoning but was a welcome by product.
As a measurement of the strength of the current squad of players I note that there are current players appearing in the all time lists at these age groups. 19 years , 17, 16, 12, 11. I don't recall any previous times with 5 players achieving this. Those 5 players already have grades higher enough to appear in the next annual update of all time strongest players. Additionally there are 3 other juniors who played at Hamilton with a realistic chance of gaining a few more grading points to move onto the all time lists in July.
Before anyone else says it .............It is wrong to concentrate solely of grade as a measure of progress and potential. But at times like this its good to spend some time considering the overall stats.
A couple of things worth adding.
The adult entries for this particular stars barred event provided a highly suitable set of opponents for the juniors strong enough to enter it. This I know was not the reasoning but was a welcome by product.
As a measurement of the strength of the current squad of players I note that there are current players appearing in the all time lists at these age groups. 19 years , 17, 16, 12, 11. I don't recall any previous times with 5 players achieving this. Those 5 players already have grades higher enough to appear in the next annual update of all time strongest players. Additionally there are 3 other juniors who played at Hamilton with a realistic chance of gaining a few more grading points to move onto the all time lists in July.
Before anyone else says it .............It is wrong to concentrate solely of grade as a measure of progress and potential. But at times like this its good to spend some time considering the overall stats.