France, represented by Pierre Adad, Maurice Aujaleu, Guy Lasserre, Francois Leenhardt, Christian Mari and Philippe Poizat with non-playing captain, Yves Aubry, became the first champions to be crowned at the European bridge teams championships in Salsomaggiore yesterday when they won the seniors' (over 55) event.
They beat Scotland, 17-13, before sitting out a bye in the last round. Israel won the silver medals, Denmark the bronze. The first three qualified for the World championship finals in Bali next year. Ireland's Alex Montwill, Joe MacHale, Sean Ó Lubaigh and Ray Fitzgerald finished well, drawing 15-15 with Turkey before beating Spain 19-11. Ireland will play Russia and San Marino in the last two rounds.
Italy will be crowned open champions today. With two rounds to go they cannot be overtaken. England upset the champions with a 22-8 victory in round 35. Spain and Bulgaria have opened a gap over the rest and look to have the minor places between them. Ireland's Nick FitzGibbon, Adam Mesbur, John Carroll, Tommy Garvey caused an upset by beating Poland 22-8. Earlier the Irish had beaten Hungary 18-12 but lost to Finland 10-20. The last two qualifying places for Bali will probably be between Norway, Poland and Sweden.
In the women's championship Netherlands beat Germany 18-12, in the head of the table clash. With one round to go the Dutch have a comfortable 19-point lead over the Germans.