It is the clash between China and France that we feature in our third round report. France had much the better of the early exchanges but China fought back in the second half to reduce the margin of victory. These two boards are good illustrations of what was happening.

Board 12. Dealer West. NS Game ª K 5 4 3 © 2 ¨ Q 7 5 3 § Q J 8 7 ª 2 ª Q J 10 9 8 © A Q J 8 7 6 4 © 9 5 3 ¨ 8 6 4 ¨ K J 10 § A 2 § 9 5 ª A 7 6 © K 10 ¨ A 9 2 § K 10 6 4 3 West North East South Haiojun Perron Jianming Chemla 1© Pass 1ª Pass 2© All Pass

South was asking for trouble with his emacited double and he certaily found it. East led the ©3 and declarer was understandably not able to bring his mind to bear on the problem of how to salvage something from the wreckage and he finished five down to concede -1400.

Board 19. Dealer South. EW Game ª 10 9 5 © K 10 4 ¨ J 4 3 § Q 7 4 2 ª 7 6 3 ª A K 2 © A J 9 7 6 5 © Q 3 2 ¨ 8 7 ¨ A 5 2 § A 6 § K 8 5 3 ª Q J 8 4 © 8 ¨ K Q 10 9 6 § J 10 9 West North East South Haiojun Perron Jianming Chemla Pass 2© Pass 4© Dble Pass Pass Redble Pass Pass 4ª Dble All Pass

Mari was doubtless tempted by the vulnerability but one has to say that the operation was not a success and the patient definitely died!

There was no problem in the defence for East-West and when they collected their club ruff the penalty was -800.

Of course this contract made in comfort but the French had lost 5 IMPs.

To conclude on a light hearted note your Editor overheard Eric Rodwell and Jeff Meckstroth discussing their match against China. When Eric indicated that they would be playing agaist Wong and Wong Jeff asked him if that was right? Quick as a flash I pointed out that 'Two Wongs don't make a right!'