IRELAND lost its first two matches at the World Bridge Olympiad in Rhodes yesterday.
In the first match, the Irish team of Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Gay Keaveney and Rory Timlin lost 8-22 to a New Zealand team in sparkling form. Most of Ireland's defeats were on a single board, on which they suffered a double game swing.
In the second match against China, Ray Brennan and Paul Scannell replaced Keaveney and Timlin. In the third close match between the sides in four years, the Chinese came out on top once again by the narrowest of margins, 16-14.
The 71 participating nations are divided into two groups, each playing a complete round robin. The first four from each section will go into the quarter final knock out stages. The late withdrawal of Jamaica has given a bye to every team in Group A, including Ireland.
Ireland's next match is against Indonesia, when Brennan, Scannell, Hanlon and McGann will play. The Irish then face Pakistan and Lebanon.
The Irish players have, been well prepared after a recent intensive work out under one of the world's leading coaches, the Canadian Eric Kokish.
Japan leads Ireland's group with 414 points, ahead of Singapore on 42 and South Africa on 40. In Group B, India and Chinese Taipei both have the maximum 50. Britain, after easy matches against Kenya and Cyprus, is third on 47.
Ireland is not represented in the women's event in Rhodes, but there is an Irish team in the new mixed teams championships. Pat Walshe, Grainne Barton, Niall Kennedy and Anne Dillon will play in this event next week.