The round of 16 of both open and women's events at the world bridge team's Olympiad produced some nail-biting finishes.
Brazil, who had edged Ireland out of a qualifying place, led narrowly in their match against Indonesia and just held on by five points. England just got home on the last few deals against Belgium. When the match between Austria and Sweden ended, Sweden had a four-point advantage. An appeals committee overturned a director's decision and the match was awarded to the Austrians.
In the women's championship USA, who as group winners chose Scotland as their opponents, just got up to win on the last board. Round of 16 results open teams: Italy 184 Australia 104; Brazil 139 Indonesia 134; Norway 120 Russia 106; England 133 Belgium 128; Iceland 107 The Netherlands 94; Poland 139 France 116; Austria 153 Sweden 149; USA 184 Argentina 108. Women's: Germany 197 Japan 80; China 160 England 140; South Africa 154 Austria 109; Canada 144 Sweden 51; Norway 185 Poland 137; Chinese Taipei 113 France 98; Netherlands 136 Israel 130; USA 132 Scotland 125.
Quarter finals scores after 32 of the 80 deals. Open: Italy 85 Brazil 58; England 63 Norway 60; Poland 88 Iceland 28; USA 83 Austria 45.
Women's: Germany 79 China 59; South Africa 57 Canada 50; Chinese Taipei 87 Norway 52; Netherlands 56 USA 47.
In the computer rankings following the qualifying stages Ireland is 23rd. USA, Italy and Poland are the top three. The championships continue until Saturday.