European bridge championships:Ireland is engaged in a close and tensely-fought battle for the silver and bronze medals at the 48th Prokom Software SA European bridge championships in Warsaw.
Also at stake are the six places for the world championships in Shanghai next year. A disappointing 14-16 defeat at the hands of Portugal in round 30 resulted in the Irish dropping to fifth place, and out of the medals for the first time in several days, as Sweden and the Netherlands beat Norway and Wales respectively to go ahead of Ireland.
In round 31 Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Nick FitzGibbon and Adam Mesbur scored an impressive 21-9 win over Russia to put the team into fourth place and back into medal contention. Scotland and Wales helped Ireland's chances considerably by beating Sweden 18-12 and Iceland 16-14, respectively.
The Italians continued their familiar pattern by beating Belgium 24-6 and Belarus 23-7. Norway showed some weakness when losing to Sweden and surviving against Bulgaria by 16-14. Nevertheless the Norwegians hold on to second place, six points clear of the Netherlands. Ireland is four points further adrift. There are two tense rounds ahead. Ireland will meet Norway, then Scotland in the last round this afternoon.
The championships end today.