Eleven teams are fighting for the eight quarterfinal places in the Bermuda Bowl. In the Venice Cup competition, nine teams are still in the running. Two matches remain today in each event.

Bermuda Bowl

The two United States appear to be shoo-ins to qualify. USA1 maintained their hold on first place with strong victories over France and South Africa after losing the morning match to New Zealand. For a time USA2 appeared poised to take over the top spot after triumphs over Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. But then they faced France, smarting from their afternoon defeat by USA1. France had a fine set and whipped the Americans 21-9. That left USA2 in second place 9.6 Victory Points behind. Norway got back on track after a dismal day Thursday, winning big against India, Canada and Denmark.

The Norwegians gained on both American teams and were only 6.4 VPs out of second place. Apparently there was a good reason for Norway's poor showing on Thursday - the whole team was suffering from some unexplained illness. But they were treated by a doctor yesterday morning - and the treatment must have worked. France, Poland, China and Italy all are well positioned - they should qualify if they perform reasonably well in today's final two matches. But Chinese Taipei, in the last qualifying spot at the moment, is in danger. Australia, Denmark and Brazil all are within striking distance.

Venice Cup

This race is unbelievably tight at the top. For the fifth straight day France is in first place - but just barely. France defeated Netherlands and Brazil after losing to New Zealand to wind up with 262 Victory Points. But United States 2, with Lynn Deas back in the lineup, scored powerful victories over Germany and South Africa after losing a squeaker to Great Britain. USA2 is now only 1 VP behind France. But it doesn't end there. USA1 won two out of three, including a blitz against Colombia, to close only 1.7 VPs behind USA2.

And suddenly China is right there in the fight for the top qualifying spot. The Chinese trounced South Africa, Argentina and Italy to close with 259, only 3 VPs out of first and only 3 points out of third.

Netherlands, Canada and Great Britain rank fifth through seventh, but they are not far enough ahead of Italy and Germany to be confident about qualifying. But the real battle will be between Italy and Germany. Italy, a last-minute replacement for Israel, at the moment has a 4-point edge on Germany for the last qualifying position. Italy has a tough draw - they must face Great Britain and USA1. Germany's draw is a little easier - South Africa in the morning, but then first-place France in the last match.