Italy set the early pace in the final of the open championship at the World Bridge Olympiad in Maastricht yesterday. The Italians lead Poland 145 to 80 after 80 of the 128 scheduled deals. In the women's final, USA looked like a winning side as they built up a lead of 145 points to 84 over Canada, also after 80 deals. The play-offs for bronze medals were completed yesterday. USA overpowered England 132 to 65 in the open series while the German women's team easily beat Norway 140 to 84.
Following the completion of the qualifying rounds in the transnational mixed teams event, the e-bridge team consisting of American, Israeli and Polish players meet a French side in one semi-final while Austria play Belgium in the other . The championships end today.