IRELAND IS fighting bravely to attain a top-nine finish in its group at the European bridge team championships in Ostend and so qualify for the final round robin, which will start tomorrow.
A 23-7 victory over Spain in round 13 put Ireland into 8th place and ahead of Denmark, which is also struggling to stay in the top nine.
In round 14, the Danes had a resounding 25-5 win against Estonia, while the Irish lost 10-20 to championship contenders Poland. These results left Denmark one point ahead of Ireland when the two countries met head-on in the next round. Denmark went into a big lead over the first six deals mainly through missed Irish chances. Ireland rallied to level the match but the Danes pulled away in the closing stages to win 19-11.
The result leaves Denmark level with Austria in the vital 8th/9th positions with the Irish nine points adrift in 10th place. Ireland’s next two matches are crucial. High-scoring victories against Romania and San Marino will be essential if the Irish are to advance to the final.
In the penultimate match of the preliminary rounds, Ireland will face group leaders Sweden in a match that the Irish can scarcely expect to win. Much will depend on how Denmark perform against Spain and Russia. A bye in round 18 will be to the Danes’ advantage. Austria’s opponents over the next three rounds will be Poland, Monaco and Estonia.
Group B leaders: Sweden 290, Poland 279, Israel 272, Netherlands 269, England 249, Estonia 248, Russia 246, Austria and Denmark 232, Ireland 223.
In the women’s championship Ireland lost 12-18 to Portugal and 13-17 to Finland before playing a 15-15 draw with Hungary.
The women’s event is being decided on a round robin basis, Netherlands have established a seemingly unassailable lead on 270 points from England, France and Germany, all on 249. Ireland with 203 points are 15th of the 28 competing nations.
Ireland’s seniors (over-60) suffered three defeats in a row.