SOME 16-year-olds might look at you blankly if you asked them to point to Japan on a map.

But Richard Matousek is so hot on the topic that he is flying to Kyoto to compete in the 10th International Geography Olympiad.

The Abingdon School pupil will be one of three 16- to 19-year-olds in the UK team battling 34 other countries for geography gold this summer. He won his place with his 1,000 word essay on the effect of internet shopping on town centres.

Richard, 16, who lives in Culham, said: “The essay took weeks to complete and I was working on it up to 30 minutes before it had to be submitted, but it was well worth it.

“I am really looking forward to going to Japan. I enjoy travelling and this is a great opportunity.”

Head of geography at Abingdon Ian Fishpool said: “This is a tremendous achievement by Richard. It shows that with a little hard work fantastic opportunities could be just around the corner.”

Richard, who hopes to continue studying Geography in the sixth form at Abingdon, said he also enjoys English and sport.

The International Geography Olympiad competition runs from July 30 to August 5.