Ireland's open team continued to struggle at the Generali European bridge championships in Tenerife yesterday.
In round 10, Brendan O'Brien, Michael MacDonagh, Tomas Roche and Padraig O'Briain were no match for Israel, losing 8-22 in a game in which the Irish trailed through out.
Tom Hanlon and Hugh McGann joined Roche and O'Briain against Portugal. Losing badly for most of the match, the Irish rallied over the last few deals but despite two good scores by Hanlon and McGann, including a diamond grand slam not bid by the Portugese, they still lost 13-17.
Spain provided a major shock when they defeated leaders Norway 25-5, a result which allowed Russia to take the lead. It also puts Ireland's defeat by Spain on Wednesday in a better light. Pre-tournament favourites, Italy, are now fourth after a 21-9 win over Germany as they continued their advance up the leader-board.
Ireland had a satisfactory start in the seniors team championship when Joe MacHale, Alex Montwill, David Jackson and Greer McKenzie combined to defeat Malta 19-11 in their opening match.
Pat Barry replaced Jackson for the second match against Wales which ended in a 15-15 draw. England, following a 25-2 defeat of Denmark in round three, took over from Germany at the head of the women's team championship.
Open teams after 11 rounds 1 Russia 207, 2 Norway 204, 3 Greece 197, 4 Italy 196, 5 Poland 194, 6 Austria, Belgium 192, 8 France 183, 9 Israel 182, 10 Hungary, 14th Scotland 176, 18th Wales 170, 26th England 157, 32nd Ireland 123.
Women's teams after 3 rounds 1 England 64, 2 Germany 60, 3 Italy 56, 4 Netherlands 54, 5 Greece 52, 6 France, Israel 50 . Seniors teams after 2 rounds 1 Sweden 46, 2 Germany (2) 41, 3 Italy (2) 38 4 Netherlands, Czech Republic 37, 5 Poland 36, 7 Ireland, England 34.