A remarkable set of deals produced some stunning results as qualifying rounds were completed in the Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup and Seniors Bowl. The matches are now made for the quarterfinal rounds.

Italy was hoping to dispatch USA1 in the Bermuda Bowl in strong enough fashion that the Americans would fail to make the final eight. The match went the other way, however, as the Americans won 107-40 to move into third.

Disappointment was the order of the day for China, sitting in second place as the final day began. The Chinese were clobbered by Brazil on the final round and did not make the cut. The Netherlands, also in a top-eight spot with one day to play, dropped out as well.

Even more disappointed was Austria in the Venice Cup, losing out on the final board of the set when Canada gained 14 IMPs against Portugal to turn defeat into victory and move into eighth place.

France set the standard in the Venice Cup with a string of impressive wins.

USA1 were the runaway leaders in the Seniors Bowl, the only event in which host Portugal will field a team for the knockout phase.

Head-to-head matches begin today as Italy takes on India in their quest to take the Bermuda Bowl championship home for the first time since 1975. The defenders, USA1, will meet Brazil in the quarterfinal round.