Ireland's open and seniors teams had good wins at the Generali European bridge championships in Tenerife yesterday.
In the open championship, Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Michael MacDonagh and Brendan O'Brien beat San Marino 19-11 and Slovenia 18-12. Ireland next meet Norway, now third. MacDonagh, O'Brien, Padraig O'Briain and Tomas Roche will play. The seniors, Joe MacHale, Alex Montwill, Pat Barry, David Jackson and Greer McKenzie, lost 9-21 to England B, but recovered to score 25 against Czech Republic, then beat Wales B 16-14. France B leads the seniors from Poland and France A, with Ireland 14th of the 27 teams.
Russia leads the open championship by five points from Italy who scored heavily against Finland and France. Norway had two 25s against Czech Republic and Bulgaria to go third lowering the Bulgarians' chances. Greece stayed in the top five despite losing to Israel and Portugal.
England leads the women's event despite losing to world champions, Netherlands, 13-17. The English disposed of close rival, Austria 25-5. The Dutch went second. Germany, got it right with big wins over Croatia and Scotland to go fourth.
The European Bridge League announced the next European teams championships will be held in June next year in Salsomaggiore, Italy, and thereafter every second year in even numbered years.
During odd numbered years, starting in 2003, teams and pairs championships will open to an unlimited number of pairs and teams per country.
In 2002 there will be three international bridge events since the European mixed teams and pairs are scheduled for Ostend, in March while the open world championships will take place in Montreal in August. Bridge will be an exhibition sport at the winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Open Teams. Leaders after 30 rounds:
1. Russia 552, 2. Italy 547, 3. Norway 531, 4. Poland 529, 5. Greece 514, 6. France 508, 7. Israel 503, 8. Bulgaria 497, 9. Denmark 495, 10. Austria, 15th England 481, 19th Scotland 457, 23rd Wales 446, 30th Ireland 371. 35 teams compete. Women's Teams. Leaders after 18 rounds 1. England 339, 2. Netherlands 318, 3. Austria 314, 4. Germany, Italy 312, 6. France 311, 7. Israel 307, 8. Spain 296, 9. Czech Republic 289, 9. Germany 265, 10. Poland 283. 21 teams compete.