IRELAND'S run of success continued at the Generali European Bridge Championships yesterday. Starting the day 17th of 35 in the Open team event, the Irish moved to 13th with two impressive wins, 21-9 against Austria in round 19 and 23-7 against Russia in the next round.
Against the Austrians, Irish captain Niall Toibin entrusted the bulk of the task to new caps John Carroll and Tommy Garvey. The youngest players on the team have taken time to settle into their first major championship but they were in top form against Austria, supported in the first half by Donal Garvey and Micheal O Briain and in the second by Tom Hanlon and Hugh McGann. It was Ireland's fourth successive win against Austria in recent years.
Hanlon, McGann, Garvey and O Briain combined to decisively beat Russia in the next match. The Russians, quarterfinalists at the Olympiad in Rome last year, had high expectations, but the Irish four outplayed them and are now one place ahead of them in the table.
Ireland's next series of matches is against Spain, Finland and Norway, Spain, currently lying sixth, and second placed Norway will be difficult opponents. An above average score over the three matches will give the Irish an outstanding chance of a top ten finish.
The Irish women's team, after a nightmare 2-25 defeat by Germany in round 11, came back to defeat Iceland 17-13 in round 12. The Germans are expected to move rapidly up the leader board.
Aileen and Rebecca O'Keeffe were the anchor pair against Iceland in a match in which the Irish were always a little in front. They next meet Monaco and Britain.
France had two big wins in the women's championship against Belgium and Monaco, which put them in the lead. In the seniors (over-55) championship, Netherlands has taken the lead from France and Germany. Ireland is not represented in this competition. Open championships leaders: 1: Italy 388; 2: Norway 372; 3: Iceland 371; 4: Poland 370; 5: France 362; 6: Spain 356; 7: Great Britain 354; 8: Netherlands 353; 9: Denmark 348; 10: Sweden 341; 11: Hungary 329; 12: Belgium 318; 13: Ireland 314. 35 nations competed.
Womens teams Leaders France 230; 2: Great Britain 227; 3: Israel 217; 4: Poland 215; 5: Austria 214; 6: Spain 208; 7: Belgium 202; 8: Netherlands 201; 9: Germany and Italy 197; 21: Ireland 142. 24 nations competed.