After the first day of the finals of the Bermuda Bowl and the Venice Cup, both United States teams lead their opponents by 9 IMPs. It appears that we have two intensely contested finals to follow. The Americans (USA II) in the Bermuda Bowl trailed through most of the day, but they came to life in the final set. They overcame a 13-point deficit with a 39-17 segment to go into the lead, 121-112. It was close all the way. France led after the first three segments by 1, 4 and 13. The bridge wasn't always the best, but it was intensely competitive.

In the Venice Cup final between United States I and China, the lead changed hands several times. The Americans got off to a fast start, inundating their rivals, 36-5 over the first 16 boards. But China turned this around in the second segment, 27-4, to close within eight points. Another good set put China in front by 12 after 48 deals. And then it was the Americans' turn again - they outscored China, 53-14 in the last segment of the day. USA I picked up a slam swing - 14 IMPs - on the next-to-last board of the last set to shoot into the lead. The China North was faced with a tough opening lead in a slam. When she cashed her ace, the Americans scored up their slam. The Venice Cup match, a 128-board battle, will conclude tonight.

After the Bermuda Bowl finalists play another 64 boards today, they still will have 32 remaining to be played tomorrow. It's a really long match - 160 boards.

Norway, United States II win bronze medals

Norway defeated United States I, 97-67, in a 32-board match to determine third place and the bronze medal in the Bermuda Bowl. Playing for Norway were Boye Brogeland, Erik Saelensminde, Geir Helgemo, Tor Helness, Glenn Groetheim and Terje Aa, with Einar Asbjon Brenne as non-playing captain. The victor in the Venice Cup match for the bronze medal was won by United States II. They defeated France, winner of the round-robin, 114-66, in a 48-board match. The American team was made up of Kathie Wei-Sender, Juanita Chambers, Lynn Deas, Kerri Sanborn, Beth Palmer and Irina Levitina, with Sue Sachs as non-playing captain.

Transnational semifinals start today

The 32-board semifinals of the Transnational Open Teams will take place today starting at 11.00. The winners will clash in the final starting at 21.30 tonight. The 48-board event will conclude tomorrow with two sessions starting at 11.00. Jassem, captain of the Polish team that finished first in the round-robin, chose Hanna of Canada as their semifinal opponent. The other semifinal pits Gardynik of Poland against Burgay, a team made up Italian and Polish players. Teams that failed to qualify for the semifinals will play two matches today starting at 11.00 to determine overall placings.