The Irish senior team put themselves in a position to challenge for a top place at the Generali European bridge championships in Tenerife yesterday.
In round three, Joe MacHale, Alex Montwill, Pat Barry and David Jackson combined to defeat Scotland 18-12. Montwill, Jackson, Barry and Greer McKenzie beat the Italian number one team 19-11 in round four. Montwill and Jackson had a particularly good set when they succeeded in handling difficult cards to upset one of the fancied teams.
This result put Ireland in sixth place. In round five they lost by the narrowest of margins, 14-16, to Germany Two, a result which put the Germans in the lead and the Irish in 9th position.
The Irish open team's dismal run ended when Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Michael MacDonagh and Brendan O'Brien beat Luxembourg 17-13 in round 14. Earlier, Ireland lost 13-17 to Greece and 10-20 to England, despite a good set by Hanlon and McGann.
Italy, chasing four Europeans in a row, had a good day. Big wins over Romania and Lebanon have put them in the lead for the first time.
Open teams - leaders after 14 rounds: 1, Italy 262; 2, Russia 261.5; 3, Austria 260; 4, Poland 257; 5, Greece 256; 6, Norway 254; 7, France 242; 8, Belgium 240.5; 16, Scotland; 20, England 212; 31, Wales; Ireland 163. Thirty-five teams compete.
Seniors teams - leaders after five rounds: 1, Germany Two 97; 2, Italy Two 96; 3, France Two 95; 4, England One 93; 5, France One 92; 6, Sweden 90; 7, Poland One; 8, Netherlands 88; 9, Ireland 85.
Women's teams - leaders after six rounds: 1, England 117; 2, Germany 116; 3, Austria 110; 4, Italy; 5, Spain 108; 6, Sweden; 7, Poland 104; 8, France 103.