European Championships

At the European Championships in Warsaw, Italy were that 'sure thing' the short odds gambler always favours. And they did not disappoint anyone who was able to back them at anything other than the 1-100 that was available after a few rounds as they carried all before them. Again. The draw had given them a bye, necessary to accommodate the odd number as thirty three countries took part, in the last round. That meant they were uncatchable with three rounds to play.

The English team did not fare as well as they had done in the last championships when, despite a poor start, they had a dream second half, and secured a qualifying spot in the next world event. This time the remaining slots were taken by Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and Poland in that order. Ireland were perhaps the surprise silver medallists, surpassing their previous best, bronze in Lausanne in 1979.

In the Women's series, England reversed their fortunes when they just missed out in Malmo two years ago and were always comfortably poised for qualification. Indeed, they were leading when they suffered reverses against unfancied teams, Turkey and Croatia. The latter however proved to be a dark horse. Following world champions France, there were Netherlands, England, Germany, Denmark and Croatia. Host nation Poland were one point behind in unlucky seventh.

For some top class play, let's look at Italy versus Israel.

Dealer West,
Game All
  • AQ94
  • Q10
  • K1095
  • 1073
  • J73
  • K62
  • AQ72
  • A62
N
W
E
S
  • K862
  • AJ98
  • 864
  • K4
  • 105
  • 7543
  • J3
  • QJ985
West
North
East
South
Versace
Birman
Lauria
Fohrer
1
Pass
1
Pass
1NT
Pass
2NT
Pass
3NT
All Pass

David Birman went passive and led the ♣7 to his partner's knave, ducked by declarer. South played a low diamond to North's nine who exited with another club. Alfredo Versace advanced the diamond eight; knave, queen, king. North now elected to save his last club for stickier times and get off lead with the ♥Q, won in dummy, then a second round won in hand. We had arrived here:

  • AQ94
  • ---
  • 105
  • 3
  • J73
  • 6
  • A7
  • A
N
W
E
S
  • K862
  • J9
  • 6
  • ---
  • 105
  • 74
  • ---
  • Q95

As if playing with full view of the cards, Versace cashed the club ace and played a spade to the king. He then cashed two more hearts. Certain to be thrown in with the top spades to concede two diamonds, Birman took his only chance; that South held the spade knave. He didn't and Italy had their game. The same testing lead was made in the other room: the Israeli declarer didn't negotiate the play quite so well and it was 12 IMPs to the champions.

Published Saturday 2.Sep.2006