Italy has taken the lead in the Generali European bridge teams championships in Tenerife.
The Italians went ahead for the first time yesterday after defeating Switzerland in round 31, while Russia, lost to Poland.
In the next round the Italians lost to the Poles while the Russians beat Liechtenstein, to regain the lead. Then in round 33, Italy scored 25 against Liechtenstein and Latvia shocked Russia 21-9.
Norway, with Ireland among its victims, scored 68 points from three matches. These results put Italy back on top, Norway second, Russia third. Poland kept its medal hopes alive with three wins. With two rounds remaining, Norway has the most difficult task, facing Denmark and Iceland.
Italy will meet Latvia and Scotland. Russia will play Turkey and Scotland while Poland takes on Austria and Wales.
Ireland's team of Tom Hanlon, Hugh McGann, Padraig O Briain, Tomas Roche, Michael MacDonagh and Brendan O'Brien lost 12-18 to Norway and 11-19 to Iceland before drawing 15-15 draw with Hungary.
The Irish seniors team, Joe MacHale, Alex Montwill, Pat Barry, David Jackson and Greer McKenzie, lost to Portugal and Norway but had their biggest win when they beat Spain 25-3.
With one round to go in the women's championship England is assured of the gold medals, as emphatic wins over Spain and Poland put them well clear. The Netherlands retained second and put Austria out of contention in their head-to-head match. Germany beat Wales and France to go third.
Open team leaders after 33 rounds: 1. Italy 606, 2. Norway 599, 3. Russia 593, 4.Poland 590, 5.France 569. Ireland is ranked 30th with 409 points, while England is ranked 11th with 531. 35 teams have competed.
Women's team leaders after 20 rounds: 1. England 382, 2. The Netherlands 357, 3. Germany 355, 4.Italy 347, 5.Austria. Seniors' team leaders after 24 rounds 1. Poland A 466, 2.France B 458, 3.Sweden 429. 4.Germany A 415, 5.France A.
Ireland is ranked 16th. England team A is 8th, with 409 points and England team B has 397 points, ranked 9th. 27 teams have competed.