By Sam Leckie

In the last sixteen of the Power Rosenblum the strong Italian Lavazza team met Cayne's American squad. In the Open Room Levin - Weinstein tackled Lauria - Versace.

It did not take long to see why the Italian pair is reckoned one of the best in the world.

Board 2. Dealer East. N/S Vul.
	ª 9 4 © K Q 10 2 ¨ A Q 8 7 5 § Q 7
ª Q J 5 © J 6 4 ¨ K 9 6 § J 10 9 8		ª A 8 7 6 3 2 © A ¨ J 10 4 § 6 4 2
	ª K 10 © 9 8 7 5 3 ¨ 3 2 § A K 5 3

West	North	East	South
Versace	Levin	Lauria	Weinstein
		1ª	Pass
2ª	Pass	3ª	All Pass

The ace of clubs was led and the contract was three down, -150, scant reward for a vulnerable game in hearts for North/South, duly bid in the other room for 10 IMPs to Lavazza.

On board six Versace came a vulnerable cropper when he preempted Three Diamonds over a One Club opener with:

ª 9 7
© 2
¨ A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
§ 10 4

Three down doubled with only a non vulnerable game available the other way meant a loss of 9 IMPs.

Then the Americans had an outrageous piece of luck:

Board 9. Dealer North. E/W Vul.
	ª J © K J 8 7 2 ¨ Q 7 5 § A 10 8 7
ª K Q 9 5 3 © Q 6 5 ¨ 6 § K 6 5 2		ª 10 7 4 2 © - ¨ A 10 8 4 3 § Q J 4 3
	ª A 8 6 © A 10 9 4 3 ¨ K J 9 2 § 9

West	North	East	South
Versace	Levin	Lauria	Weinstein
	1©	Pass	4§*
Pass	4©	All Pass

The king of spades was led and Levin was not a happy declarer on seeing dummy. However when he played a heart to his king and North discarded his frown changed toa smile - and no wonder! The Italians bid it but went one down to lose an undeserved 11 IMPs. (The chance of North being void is 11%)

After 14 boards the players made to leave the table only to be reminded that they had one more deal to complete - just as well for the Americans.

Board 15. Dealer South. N/S Vul.
	ª J 6 4 2 © A K 9 5 4 ¨ A K 4 3 § -
ª 9 5 © J 2 ¨ 8 7 § A K J 9 8 5 3		ª 10 7 3 © 10 7 6 ¨ Q 10 9 6 5 2 § 2
	ª A K Q 8 © Q 8 3 ¨ J § Q 10 7 6 4

West	North	East	South
Versace	Levin	Lauria	Weinstein
			1§
Pass	1©	Pass	2©
3§	4§*	Pass	4¨*
Pass	6©	All Pass

The two of clubs was led and North ruffed one diamond for twelve tricks. It wouldn't have surprised anyone if the Italians had bid and made Seven Spades but they only got to game to lose 12 IMPs.

That left Cayne leading 40-27 at the end of the first session.