Italy blitzed both United States teams yesterday to move into a healthy 15.5-Victory Point lead over the field after four matches in the 15-match round-robin.

Sandwiched in between was a surprise loss to Denmark - a surprise because Italy pulled away to what looked like an unbeatable lead in the first half of the match. Denmark made a remarkable comeback and defeated Italy, 16-14. Italy started the day by topping USA 1, 25-5. They did even better against USA 2, 25-2.

One of the most interesting swings occurred when Italy bid six diamonds on Board 12, got doubled, and then scored it up with an overtrick - plus 1740. A spade opening lead would have defeated the slam. However, the swing was only 12 IMPs because the Americans played five spades doubled at the other table, making six for plus 1050.

China climbed into second place with solid victories over Israel and Egypt, with a 14-16 loss to USA 2 in between. Argentina climbed into a third-place tie with Australia the best way possible - by beating Australia. The score was 19-11.

Argentina also defeated USA 1, but suffered a surprise loss to CAC, 19-11. Australia surprised Norway, 24-6, in the day's first match, but it was all downhill after that - losses to both Canada 2 and Argentina.