After nearly two weeks of fighting for tricks, those still playing are battling fatigue as well as their opponents. With the Bermuda Bowl and Venice Cup nearing the final stages, players must find that extra bit of energy they need to concentrate for a few more boards.

In the Venice Cup, which concludes today, players have 48 more boards. The Bermuda Bowl is a 128-board match, so it will continue through tomorrow afternoon.

Neither match is at a point where the winner can be projected. Italy is leading USA I in the Bermuda Bowl by 32 IMPs, while USA I in the Venice Cup has a 123.3-100 lead over China.

The Italians are looking particularly strong, but the Nick Nickell team is a veteran squad and two-time previous Bermuda Bowl champions.

Already looking forward to the medal ceremonies tomorrow are the Netherlands and USA II, bronze-medal winners in the Venice Cup and Bermuda Bowl, respectively.

The Netherlands women took a slim lead into the last of three sets against the Americans, but took that segment 55-16 to win the playoff in comfort. In the Bermuda Bowl playoff, USA II had a big second set to prevail, 104-83.

As this issue of the Daily Bulletin went to press, the World Transnational Open Teams was in the quarter-final stage. The leaders, by captain, were Jan Jansma, Malcolm Brachman, Reese Milner and Henky Lasut.

The two-session semi-final round will be played today, followed by one final session this afternoon and two final sessions tomorrow.