VENICE, ITALY, Reuter: The United ‘States on Saturday captured the only bridge prize it had never won, beating Austria by 289 points to 246 in the final of the World Bridge Olympiad open series,
The U.S. team, comprising five professionals and a wealthy department store ‘owner clinched the Vanderbilt trophy after a high-scoring game marked by ragged bidding and play.
Austria started the third and last 32board session with their overnight score boosted by five points after they won an appeal over a controversial bid.
The Americans contained an early assault by Austria and then increased their margin in the closing stages of the two-day, 96 boards final.
The two teams had survived 14 arduous days of qualifying rounds contested by 56 nations
The Bronze medal was won by European Champions Sweden and India came fourth, the best performance by an Asian team in the Olympiad.
Denmark won the Women’s series final which finished late on Friday, beating Britain into second place.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 28, 1988
