Semi-final action from the Lavazza-Mali match

The qualifying stages of the 7th European Bridge Mixed Team Championship saw teams containing players from eight different countries qualify for the semi-finals. Going in to the last round those teams were already in the first four positions, and they played out 16/14 score lines that proved good enough to keep them there, as none of the chasing teams managed a big enough win. Pride of place at the top of the table went to Popova (Bulgaria/Turkey/Israel) who chose to play Stoppa (France), leaving Lavazza (Italy/Austria) to meet Mali (Noway/Poland).

Both matches proved to be exciting, Lavazza taking a big lead at half time but then having to hang on as most of it disappeared. Popova trailed by 14 IMPs at the half, but was ahead by 6 IMPs going into the last board. They found a good save at one table, but bid a slam that was defeated by a ruff to see Stoppa home by 6 IMPs.