IRELAND had its best day so far at the Generali European Bridge Championships in Montecatini, Italy, yesterday, decisively winning all three matches. The Irish made a bad start against Romania in round 29, but recorded a huge score in the second set to win 18-12. Ireland then beat Portugal 19-11.
Against the championship leaders, Italy, the Irish team played its best bridge since coming to Montecatini. They went ahead early in the match, led comfortably at half time and consolidated their lead in the second session to win 20-10. The Irish captain, Niall Toibin, played the same line up for all three matches Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Donal Garvey and Micheal O Briain. Ireland is now 14th of the 35 competing nations.
The margin of the victory over Italy has for the first time in several days cast doubt on the destiny of the gold medal.
Great Britain won the women's team championship, holding off the challenge of 1995 winners, France and Israel.
The Irish women's team, Valerie Hand, Anne Montwill, Aileen and Rebecca O'Keeffe, Pat Meehan and Petra O'Neill, with nonplaying captain, Padraig O Briain, had a disappointing championship, finishing 22nd of the 24 teams.
Open teams after 31 rounds: 1, Italy 597; 2, Poland 588; 3, France 573; 4, Norway 567; 5, Denmark 550; 6, Spain 546; 7, Iceland 539; 8, Netherlands 537; 9, Sweden 523; 10, Great Britain 511; 14, Ireland 478.
Women's teams final result - 1, Great Britain 434; 2, France 422; 3, Israel 421; 4, Germany 403; 5, Netherlands 401; 6, Italy 394; 7, Austria 392; 8, Poland 389; 9, Sweden 380; 10, Spain 379; 22, Ireland 368.
Senior (over 55 ) after 11 rounds - 1, France and Netherlands 209; 3, Poland 199; 4, Italy 183.