The United States teams are doing very well in both the Bermuda Bowl and the Venice Cup. United States I and United States II are running 1-2 in the Bermuda Bowl, and in the Venice Cup United States I and United States II are placed second and third behind France, in first place for the third straight day.

Bermuda Bowl

USA I lost one of their matches yesterday - to Italy 17-13 in Match No. 9. However, they had strong games in their other two matches, blitzing Tunisia, 25-2, and defeating Chile, 19-11. USA II surprised Brazil, taking the lead at the outset and going on to a 25-4 blitz in Match No. 7. The defending champions then topped both Tunisia, 19-11, and Chile, 17-13.

Norway slipped a bit early in the day, edging by New Zealand, 16-14, then losing to France, 18-12. However, a 25-2 blitz against South Africa enabled them to hold onto third place, only 4 VPs behind USA I and 3 behind USA 2.

Surprising Australia continued their strong run, losing a squeaker to Chile but then toppling strong Italy, 21-9. They closed the day with a 23-7 victory over Venezuela. Poland, Italy, China and France round out the top eight - the number of teams that will qualify for the quarterfinals. Chinese Taipei, Brazil and Canada are within striking distance. Brazil suffered a dismal day, losing a blitz to USA II, losing to India and tying Canada.

It was a high-scoring morning and afternoon - there were nine matches in which more than 100 IMPs were scored.

Venice Cup

France maintained its hold on the top spot despite a 22-8 loss to USA I. They scored victories over both South Africa and Argentina, but both were close matches.

In the meanwhile USA I leaped into second place, only 5 Victory Points out of first, with a blitz against Tunisia and a 19-11 victory over Chile. They were slowed down in Match No. 9, losing to Italy, 17-13. Another 3 VPs back are USA II. Non-playing captain Sue Sachs learned yesterday that ailing Lynn Deas will return to the team today and intends to play in Match No. 12. Lynn is hoping to play five of the remaining round-robin matches. According to Juanita Chambers, her teammate, Lynn is eating well, is in good spirits, has the infection under control, has got her temperature back to normal, and is eager to play. Lynn will play from a wheelchair because myasthenia gravis has immobilised her.

Great Britain scored three strong triumphs, over Chinese Taipei, Australia and India, and is trailing USA II by only a single Victory Point. Germany went into the third day hoping to pile up at least 70 Victory Points to make a big leap up the standings. They won all three of their matches, but their VP total was only 62. That was good enough to place them sixth, one point behind Canada.

China and the Netherlands round out the top eight, but Italy, South Africa and Argentina are well within range.