Ireland, after two more impressive wins yesterday, remained the only unbeaten team in the Generali European Bridge Championships in Malta.
An 18-12 victory over Russia in round seven left the Irish in ninth place of the 37 competing teams, with Norway in the lead. In the next round they faced their most difficult opponents yet, former world champions Iceland.
Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Niall Toibin and Pat Walshe were always in front, eventually winning 20-10. Despite the margin of victory, the team dropped to 11th on the leader board as both Belgium and Turkey won by even bigger margins to overtake them.
Irish captain Adam Mesbur reports excellent morale in the team, with all three players performing well. Gay Keaveney and Rory Timlin will join Hanlon and McGann by the next match against Luxembourg. The Irish are not taking this match for granted: Luxembourg showed what they are capable of when running Poland very close in round three, losing only 13-17.
Ireland face a key encounter with Spain in round 11. The Spanish side led the competition in the early stages and then slipped to be just three points ahead of the Irish. A good win for either side can secure a place in the top 10. Ireland has won three of the last five matches between the two and has a bye in round 11.
Belgium caused the shock of the championships when beating Norway 24-6 in round eight and knocked the Norwegian side from the top spot. Italy, going for three in a row, and France, were the beneficiaries and now fill the first two places.
The women's pairs championship ended with gold and silver medals going to France: Lecroix and Poulain were first, Cohen and Multon second. Britain's Sarah Teshome and Nevena Senior were third. Senior, whose husband, Brian, has played for Ireland, won this championship in Brighton in 1987 when representing Bulgaria. Ireland's Elva Gannon and Pauline Maguire were among the big cash winners, taking 15th place, the second best performance ever by an Irish player in this event.
In the barometer pairs final, they got as high as fifth but slipped back over the last few tables. It was a creditable display by a pair who have always represented their country with distinction. Ireland is not represented in the women's team championship, which began last night.
Generali European Open Team Championship after eight rounds: 1, Italy 160; 2, France 159; joint 3 and 4 Sweden and Norway 156; 5, Poland 151; 6, Bulgaria 147; 7, Turkey 144; joint 8 and 9 Belgium, Spain 143; 10, Lebanon 142; 11, Ireland 140. 37 teams compete.