United States I, winner in the round-robin, may be regretting having chosen China as their Bermuda Bowl quarterfinal opponent. China took the lead at the outset, but the Americans made several comebacks. But after each comeback China put on another spurt. The Chinese picked up 14 IMPs on the very last board to lead USA1, 156-127, after 64 boards. The play in yesterday's last segment, which was on vugraph, was superb on the part of both teams. They will play the last 32 boards today starting at 11.00.

By contrast France, victor in the Venice Cup round-robin, seems assured of victory in their match against the Netherlands. France got off to a roaring start, and even though their pace slowed down, they still led Netherlands, 167-89. It's almost impossible to overcome a 78-IMP lead - although it has been done.

United States II, second in the round-robin, has a healthy 50-point lead over Chinese Taipei. However, Chinese Taipei showed its resiliency last year in the World Team Olympiad, so the Americans are taking nothing for granted. USA2 is the defending champion in the Bermuda Bowl.

The France-Poland match has been a see-saw battle. France led after the first 16-board segment, but Poland was on target in the second 16, taking a 25-point lead. Then it was France's turn in the third segment, going up by 19. France added 11 more in the fourth segment to lead, 154-124.

Norway made a comeback against Italy in the fourth segment, but they still had a 42-IMP deficit to make up, 126-168. They had been 63 IMPs in arrears after 48 boards. Italy manufactured its huge lead with a 38-4 second segment.

In Venice Cup play, China had an amazing, almost unbelievable set against Great Britain. In the third segment, China scored 75 IMPs while holding the Britons scoreless. That's right, a 75-0 set. Strangely enough, this turned around radically in the fourth set - the Britons outscored the Chinese, 35-8, but China held the lead, 145-108.

The fortunes of the two United States teams were quite different. United States I, the winner of the American Trials, held the tiniest possible lead against Italy, 142-141. This a very tight-fisted match - each of the four segments to date has been a close battle. However, USA2 is having a hard time in its battle against Canada. Canada swept to a 14-IMP lead in the first segment, lost a point in the second, then added 22 in the third and 16 more in the fourth. They're down, 130-79. Canada's chances of making the semifinals are bright indeed.

The vugraph at 11.00 will feature the Bermuda Bowl match between Poland and France. The match for the 14.00 show will be announced based on the standings after the morning's 32 boards.