The morning singles are in, and the analysis has been shared, EuroDov Reporter has Team Love leading Team Brannan by the narrowest of margins 7-5 heading into the afternoon round.

In 8 RyDov Cups the team leading in the morning has gone on to win the Cup, but three times the afternoon matches have overturned the result, and none more famously than the 2013 and 206 editions where Team Dov overturned a 4.5 – 1.5 deficit to win 7.5 – 4.5 and a 4-2 deficit to retain the Cup 6-6.

The afternoon matches matter and with such a tight morning session they could be crucial so let’s take a look at each match, and EuroDov Reporter’s insight.

So, let’s get down to match 15.

This match could be a slow burner, but when it gets going it’s going to be a real battle. For Team Love we’ve got 2-time Tour winner in 2023 Barry Cunningham and ever-present RyDov Cupper Stuart Sutherland. Up for Team Brannan, it’s the Captain, Kevin, partnering Jim Robertson.

Interestingly Cunningham and Sutherland were partnered together in 2021 and bulldozed by rookie pairing of Mushet/Richardson. However, a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. Historically, both these players don’t shape up well in the afternoon format, both wining only 38% of their points.

Across the leaderboard from them sits Jim Robertson who has a 75%-win record in the Greensomes and Kevin Brannan with a 29% record, though he did win his match in 2022. Both these pairs have form in the format, and form in winning tough matches.

With little over a month to go there is still time for handicap fluctuations but currently the handicap favour is to Team Brannan but just a stroke.

So, what does all this tell us? Well, put simply, this is going the distance. There isn’t much to separate these pairings. History tells us we’ve got players here that can win, and lose, but in this format, I always look for the constant, they player that can provide the platform, for their partner to shine and both of these pairings have this in abundance.

There may very well be a winner here, but it won’t be by much, but right now I am calling this a halved match.

Team Love 12 – 6 Team Brannan