with two of the matches going down to the wire.

In the Bermuda bowl, Norway and Brazil were clear winners over their opponents, Indonesia and Sweden. But in the other two matches both teams from the USA were in difficulty and appeared destined to defeat.

With just a few hands remaining in the 96 hand contest, USA I trailed Italy while USA II, were well behind Poland.

More than 500 spectators watched the USA II and Poland match. With only 2 hands to play, Poland seemed a sure winner until inspired bidding by Zia Mahmood and Michael Rosenberg scored a slam for the USA which was not bid by Poland in the other room. With one hand to play Poland held a one point lead, only to lose this on an overbid in one room while the USA made a more restrained bid in another room. USA II won by 4.

Their compatriots also eventually held out to beat Italy.

In the Venice Cup event for women's teams, the matches were not close.

Advancing to the semi-finals are USA I who play Denmark together with the Netherlands who play Austria.