posted Aug 4th, 2009 - Three rounds were completed at the German Nationals 2009, and the defending champion, FSC Eisenach-Paratec, has worked out a 3-point lead over X-Ray Remscheid and a 1-point difference to EADS. A stellar performance in Round 2 created the lead before the three top contenders were back on the same level in Round 3, where EADS won back one point with the sole highscore.

It is still as close a race as it was expected, and the two jumps on Wednesday morning will show if any of the teams will be able to create a significant advantage. The two fast sequences of Rounds 4 and 5 open the door for each team.

The Chicas are doing everything right so far to successfully defend their title in the female category. They have taken advantage of the slower first three sequences and are two points ahead of Incognito Leutkirch. The situation could hardly be any better for the defending champion in this category.

Incognito has to make a move now, and the time is also right for the young German lineup. Incognito loves the faster sequences, and they have been doing well with them in the past. The 2-point lead does not force the Chicas to take any chances at this point in time. The standings after Round 4 and then after Round 5 will be the foundation for a new evaluation in the female category.

Round 1 - Thriller has started

It could hardly be more exciting at the German Nationals 2009. The scores of Round 1 live up to the expectations and open the battle at the very beginning of the competition.

The three top contenders in the Open Class posted 17-pointers and are tied in first place. Challenger X-Ray Remscheid kept up with FSC Eisenach's defending champions, and EADS does not seem to be rusty at all. It is a fact now that the winner will have to work very hard for the gold medals.

It is the same situation in the female category. The Chicas matched the Incognito scores and will feel much better now compared to the Nuggets Cup.

Round 2 has an even slower sequence (20-16-18) with memory, and the German top contenders will probably not be separated by much after the round.

However, another good score for the next round would probably give X-Ray and the Chicas even more confidence, while adding pressure on the rivals.

Meet psychology may become a major factor in the German game. Any mistake will have instant consequences, even in these slower rounds, and each single point may be important at the very end. Round 2 is in progress, and the scores will be posted soon.