Belgium Defeats Finland 3–1! Lucas, Jan and Renaud Deliver Crucial Victory

Two rounds played, no defeats, and Belgium is building momentum in League B!


After opening the 2026–2027 Pandanet European Team Championship with a 2–2 draw against Slovakia, Belgium secured an impressive 3–1 victory over Finland.

Finland finished one place above Belgium last season, and with four draws in their previous six encounters, another tight battle was expected.

But this time, Belgium came out on top!

Renaud Strikes First!

The action began on Sunday, 8 November, when Renaud Gaban defeated Henry Carlson (2 kyu) on Board 4, giving Belgium an early 1–0 lead.

Tuesday's games started with Lucman Bounoider facing Olli Ervelae (4 dan) in a rematch. After a complicated fight, Lucman resigned, although AI analysis suggested he was still winning at that moment.

With the score tied at 1–1, Jan Ramon stepped up on Board 3. Playing White against Arto Heikkinen (3 dan), Jan delivered a solid territorial game to put Belgium back in front.

Belgium leads 2–1!

Lucas Seals the Victory!

Everything came down to Board 1.

Would Belgium settle for another draw against Finland, or finally secure another victory over its familiar rival?

Lucas Neirynck had the answer!

Facing Jesse Savo (5 dan), Lucas controlled the game from the opening. After successfully cutting off and killing a large group of his opponent's stones, he forced Jesse to resign.

Belgium wins 3–1!

Jan Ramon Approaches 100 Appearances!

Jan's victory also brings him closer to an impressive personal milestone.

His historical national team record now stands at 98 appearances and 53 individual victories, placing him second in Belgium's all-time rankings in both categories.

Just two more games until the century mark!

Next Up: Italy!

The next challenge comes on Tuesday, 8 December 2026, at 20:00 CET, against Italy, who competed in League A last season.

Can Belgium keep its unbeaten start alive?

Two rounds. No defeats. One statement victory against Finland. Let's go, Belgium!

Results and Standings

Full match results: https://pandanet-igs.com/communities/euroteamchamps/rounds/1513#5

Current League B standings: https://pandanet-igs.com/communities/euroteamchamps/draw/244