The fancied teams all started well yesterday, with only Hungary, on 44 VPs, marginally below average. Canada leads the way on 69 VPs out of a possible 75 after three good wins, but perhaps the best first day was achieved by Poland, as their 62 VPs included a 17-13 win over USA1 and 22-8 over Hungary. USA1 had two good wins to go with that loss and lies third on 59 VPs, ahead of France, who scored 55 on the day despite a 5-25 loss to Canada. The best of the non-Zone 1 and 2 teams is currently Japan, who had a solid day to lie joint-sixth with Israel on 49 VPs, just behind Norway, who have 51.
The biggest win of the first day saw Egypt demolish Pakistan to the tune of 120-22 IMPs, 25-0 VPs. Meanwhile, the big local rivalries saw USA1 defeat USA2 by 22-8 VPs, the same score by which Chile beat Brazil. China Hong Kong had to be content with 16-14 over Chinese Taipei, while pride of place here must go to our hosts, Australia, who had much the better of New Zealand, winning 25-5.
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