There was a pulsating end to the Round Robin stage of the IOC Grand Prix. Brazil and China who met in the last round fought out a quickly played draw and finished level on 85 Victory Points.

The USA who were facing France needed to win by 25 IMPs to produce a three way tie at the top or a margin of 30 IMPs to secure a certain place in the final. There was not much in the boards and it soon became clear that the potential tie was the more likely scenario.

To add to the drama there was the possibility of an appeal by the USA team which if upheld would be worth 5 IMPs. The President of the WBF José Damiani was ready with the Conditions of Contest that would apply in the event of a tie and the audience were searching for their slide-rules.

In a nerve jangling finish a winning guess by the French declarer on the very last board extinguished the hopes of the USA team. It would be Brazil versus China in the final.