We have often wondered what commentators and sports writers do when nothing is happening. Doubtless the answer is that they carry on regardless, preparing for the resumption of play. That was certainly how we treated yesterday's break in the action.

Although most people took the opportunity to attend all or part of the organized activities there was still a steady stream of passers by in the pressroom and the bulletin office. We even had a few people turning up for a VuGraph match! It's a feature of every championship that the bulletin office becomes a focal point for every kind of inquiry.

Here is a small selection. "Do you have the Butler scores for the Schools?" "Where is the fax machine?" "Have you seen a director?" "Can you help me with an appeal?" "Is this the toilet?"

Sports fanatics are complaining that yesterday's free day coincided with a rest day in the Tour de France. Well, they could have hired bicycles. Despite the absence of the players we are still able to bring you some bridge, as stories from previous rounds begin to emerge.

The playing schedule means we have rather more time than usual to prepare the final bulletin, so don't be afraid to bring us your material right up to the end.