Status after end of Game 203

Well, the Russian decides to aid Italy rather than help Germany get 
the solo.  A well executed stab of Turkey gives Italy a secured 
position in the semis and a few more points to the Riders, who vault 
past S-F into second place.

Regarding the team tournament, it is still the Stepsons to lose.  
They are poised to lose some points from those still playing, but if 
they minimize those, they are still the favorites.  

The Riders certainly helped themselves with the result in 203 and 
are poised to gain a few more points in 210.  Game 218 is the 
problem as they probably need to hold onto at least 2nd there if 
they want to have a shot at the title.

Game 218 also figures strongly for S-F as a drop to third hurts 
their chances severely.  Game 206 is key for them as they really 
need a sole top with elimination of the Stepson to entertain visions 
of winning.

Regarding the semi-finalists, 203's Italy moved from 49th place to a 
much more secure position.  That leaves 218's England in the cutoff 
spot, making his bid for topping his board almost inevitable.  There 
are four players below the cutoff that still have a good shot at 
making the field.

#51 - 206's Italy, currently tied for board top.  A sole top would 
put him in the field, hurting S-F's chances as shown above.

#53 - 210's Turkey, currently tied for second.  His movement into 
the field seems inevitable as previously described in another post.  
He seems assured of at least a sole second place, which should be 
enough to advance.  Obviously, his moving up advances the Riders' 
cause.

#55 - 224's Turkey, currently in third.  He'll almost certainly be 
in a tie for the board top, which will be enough whether it is a two 
way tie or a three way tie.  (I obviously am pulling for the 
latter!)  There is no effect on the team tournament.

#59 - 228's France, currently in second.  This is a longshot because 
he's quite a ways behind Germany.  Still, he's poised to pick up a 
few Italian centers and might be able to pull something off.  He 
basically needs at least a tie to advance.  His growth though is 
coming at the Stepsons' expense.

I suppose it is possible for the #50 player (213's Germany) to make 
the field, especially if the advancements of the people above cause 
others to fall out of the field and if the third place finisher in 
218 does as well.  I just don't consider it likely.  He can't affect 
the outcome since his game is already finished.



 

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