Ireland's bad spell came to an end at the Generali European Bridge Championships in Malta yesterday when scoring the maximum 25 against San Marino in a one-sided match in round 33. However, the Irish team's nightmare had continued right through the previous round when they suffered one of their worst defeats, losing to Austria 4-25.
In round 34, Ireland met Italy, a team virtually certain to win another major title.
Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Gay Keaveney and Rory Timlin came out of the match with credit after going down by the narrowest of margins, 14-16, in a closelyfought game against what is clearly the best team in Europe.
The Irish team, which is supported by Letter Post, has three remaining matches against Slovenia, Hungary and Romania before the championships end later today.
Only major upsets in the closing rounds can prevent Italy and France from taking gold and silver respectively. Sweden, Norway and Israel are fighting for third place. Bulgaria has an outside chance.
In the senior event, France A, France C and Poland A have dominated from the start and are virtually certain to share the medals.
Ireland's team, captained by Paul Hanratty, which has had little exposure to this level of competition, is well down the field.
With one round to go in the women's championship, Austria is looking good for the gold medal.
Generali Open Championship leaders after 34 rounds: 1, Italy 644; 2, France 627; 3, Sweden 617; 4, Norway 615; 5, Israel 610; 6, Bulgaria 603; 7, Poland 591; 8, Russia 580; 9, Netherlands 579; 10, Spain 574; 11, Great Britain 569; 17, Ireland 531. 37 teams compete.
Women's teams with one round to go: 1, Austria 371; 2, France 363; 3, Netherlands 361; 4, Great Britain 359; 5, Germanuy 340; 6, Denmark 336. 21 teams compete.
Senior teams after 27 rounds: 1, France A 533; 2, France C 508; 3, Poland A 502; 4, France B 491; 5, Sweden A 476; 6, Italy A 464; 24, Ireland 332. 29 teams compete.