IRELAND recorded an important victory at the Generali European Bridge championships in Montecatini yesterday by beating second-placed Norway in a very close match. Mr Donal Garvey and Mr Micheal O Briain played throughout. Mr Tom Hanlon and Mr Hugh McGann took one of their few breaks for the first half then replaced Mr John Carroll and Mr Tommy Garvey at the interval. Ireland won 16-14.
The win was a morale boost for the Irish team which had just put in its worst performance of the championship in the previous round, losing 3-25 to Finland. Before that, Ireland was one of Spain's victims, 9-21, when it moved up to fourth to become a genuine medal contender.
Italy still leads by a clear margin from Norway and three-times previous winners Poland.
The Irish Women's team had two matches yesterday, losing both by 13-17, the first to Monaco, then to Britain. The match against the British was a good performance by the Irish Ladies, who were well down at halfway. A good second session cut the deficit. Ms Aileen and Ms Rebecca O'Keeffe played throughout. Ms Anne Montwill, Ms Valerie Hand and Ms Petra O'Neill, Ms Patsy Meehan took a half each player.
The British women also beat Sweden and are in second place. France leads.
In the next round both Irish teams will meet Croatia.
Open teams (after 23 rounds) leaders: 1, Italy 442; 2, Norway and Poland 425; 4, Spain 422; 5. Iceland 420; 6, Netherlands 418; 7, France 416; 8, Denmark 410; 9, Sweden 387; 10, Great Britain, 385; 17, Ireland 342. Some 35 nations competed.
Women's Teams (after 14 rounds): 1, France 271; 2, Great Britain 262, 3 Israel 253; 4, Poland 251; 5, Germany 244; 6, Italy 241; 7, Austria 241; 8, Spain 237; 9, Netherlands 235; 10, Belgium 232; 19, Ireland 168. Some 24 competed.
Senior (Over 55) - (after 5 rounds): 1, Italy; 2, France; 3, Netherlands. Some 14 teams competed.