Italy's out

So much for my predictions - Italy have lost their semi-final match against the Netherlands. It was nip and tuck till towards the end, when the Netherlands opened a lead by bidding two slams that the Italians missed (and got a few smaller swings too). With only half a dozen boards left, the Italians were suddenly 36 IMPs down, and there was no real chance presented in those last few boards to get it back. The Dutch team comprises three well-established pairs, and they've played very well so far (obviously). In the past, I've been (on occasion) disappointed by the Dutch, but they seem to have peaked at just the right time, and the final against USA2 should be a cracker.

Another team that has sprung a surprise is Indonesia, in the Venice Cup. I was thinking that England were heading for the final, and the next thing you know, Indonesia stormed back and beat them.

World Championships

I'm still not up to snuff as regards being physically able to go to the bridge club and either working or playing. But the computer in the corner is within reach, and the world championships are here again. So I will be visiting the BBO Vugraph and trying to follow the action.

It will be a tough competition once again, with so many closely-matched teams participating. I chose Italy in the BBO Bermuda Bowl "guess the winner" competition, but that was as much sentiment as anything else. They are extremely good, of course, but so are the US teams, China, and so many of the others. I remember being surprised by Bulgaria last time around, and they're in the running again. So who do you fancy?