The sprints are over. Now the marathons begin as teams in the Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup and Senior Bowl settle in for long matches, starting today with the quarter-final round.

The final day of qualifying on Saturday produced only one newcomer to the top eight in all three championships as South Africa in the Bermuda Bowl replaced Japan, edging out Brazil for the final spot by half of a victory point, achieved on the final deal of the night.

Conspicuous by their absence from the quarter-final round, beginning today, are the 2005 Bermuda Bowl silver medallists, USA 2, captained by Nick Nickell. Two other teams expected to do well – Brazil and Poland – are also out.

In the Bermuda Bowl, the quarter-final matchups are Italy – South Africa, USA 1 – Australia, Netherlands – Sweden and Norway – China SMEG.

In the Venice Cup, it will be USA 1- Egypt, Germany – Canada, China Global Times – England and USA 2 – France.

Senior Bowl opponents are Canada – Brazil, USA 2 – Italy, Poland – Indonesia and France – USA 1.