Norway leads in bridge

Press, 6 October 1980, Page 3

Norway leads in bridge

PA-Reuter Valkenburg, Netherlands Play in the World Bridge Team Olympiad yesterdaysaw some changes in the close struggle between the 58 nations vying for eight qualifying positions. Norway continued their brilliant ’run, racking up a total of 196 victory points. Italy’s chances of reaching the semi-finals faded, while the United States continued to improve. In Group A, Brazil took over top place, blitzing both Canada and Egypt, while the Netherlands, the overnight leaders, had a bye round and a 13-7 defeat by Sweden.

Denmark appeared a good possibility for a qualifying place, blitzing Colombia and beating South Africa 19-1. Norway sustained its < spectacular run in Group B, blitzing both Indonesia and] the Bahamas to bring their total to 296 victory points. France moved into second place, beating Italy 11-9 and New Zealand 17-3. The United States, in third position, continued to pick! up steam, beating the Neth-I erlands Antilles 19-1 and! Mexico 15-5, pointing to peak form for Thursday’s semi-finals. In the women’s series, Ire-

I land, the overnight leaders, ; were beaten 11-9 by Singi apore and dropped to third place. ; The United States beat Australia 19-1 but Italy j blitzed Spain 20 to minus. 2 land moved up to join the Americans at the head of the 29 nation field. Leaders in Group A: Brazil 255, 1; Denmark 252, 2; Turkey 250, 3; Netherlands 248. 4: Argentine {239. 5; Great Britain, Canada and (Belgium. 222 (equal) 6. Leaders in Group B: Norway 1296. 1; France 262. 2; United States 244. 3; Pakistan 243, 4: Germany 234, 5; Indonesia 232, 6; Australia 226, 7. Women's standings: U.S.A, and Italy 242, 1; Ireland 236. 2: Sweden 227, 4; Great Britain 221, 5; Netherlands 219, 6.