Ireland could scarcely have hoped for a better start to the 44th Generali European Bridge Championships in Malta yesterday when it scored a morale boosting 18-12 victory over 1993 World Champions Netherlands.
Recent English spring foursomes semi-finalists and Irish titleholders Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Rory Timlin and Gay Keaveney were given the responsibility of the opening match.
The lead changed hands several times before the Irish asserted their superiority. Big first round winners included Great Britain and hat-trick seeking Italy, who scored 25 each against Cyprus and Austria respectively.
A record 37 teams are competing in the Open championship, including Yugoslavia and Estonia, both in doubt up to the start. The large field has resulted in the matches being reduced to 20 boards with no mid-match break. The players therefore face the demanding schedule of three matches a day for most of the next 14 days.
Ireland's next two opponents, Switzerland and Monaco, have been finishing at the lower end of the field in recent championships. However, as standards improve across Europe there are few if any weak teams. The Irish cannot afford to be complacent.
It is expected that non-playing captain Adam Mesbur will give Niall Tobin and Pat Walshe their first feel of the cards against Switzerland.
The women's pairs championship also got under way yesterday. Elva Gannon and Pauline Maguire started well and were anticipating a good sessional score as the first set drew to a close. Petra O'Neill, Patsy Meehan, Heidi Lillis and Teresa Rigney also represent Ireland. Rigney reached the final of this event in Italy 2 years ago, partnering Hilary Dowling-Long.