Both sides are turning out strong teams with a whole host of tournament wins behind them – while many of the faces may well be familiar to regular readers, we’re delighted to welcome Safi Tracy to the women’s side. Having only started playing in 2016, she’s already won Newcomer of the Year in Bristol, and won the Backgammon Hub “warmup” tournament back in November. She’s a protégé of Tim Cross, and by some fluke of my randomiser, grandmaster Tim will be commentating on her match in round three – no pressure, then!