As previously mentioned, pairs events are usually decided on the partscore battlefield, and it seemed that I was to see nothing but partscore battles as I sat down to watch the first session of the pairs final. First up were the top Italian pairing of Norberto Bocchi and Gabriela Olivieri facing Geir Helgemo and Ase Langeland.

Board 13. Dealer North. Game All ª K 9 8 3 2 © 9 5 3 ¨ 8 5 § A J 5 ª A ª Q 10 4 © K Q 8 7 © 6 4 2 ¨ 10 3 ¨ Q J 9 7 4 § K Q 10 9 6 2 § 7 3 ª