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Italy Makes History
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The Five Card Tricksters, Italy.
From the left to the right:
Norberto Bocchi, Antonio Sementa, Massimo Ortensi (coach),
Lorenzo Lauria, Alfredo Versace, Francesco Angelini, Giorgio
Duboin, Maria Tereza Lavazza (npc)
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The Netherlands, winner of the gold medal
in the Women's European Championships. From left to right:
Ed Franken (npc), Bep Vriend, Anneke Simons, Marijke van der
Pas, Wietske van Zwol, Femke Hoogweg, Jet Pasman and Chris
Niemeijer (coach).
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They won in Vilamoura in 1995, in Montecatini in
1997, in Malta in 1999, in Tenerife in 2001 and now
by winning here in Salsomaggiore in 2002 with a truly awesome
display, Italy has become the first team in the history of
these great Championships to win five times in a row, surpassing
the record of the legendary Blue Team, who won in 1956, 57, 58 and
59.
We raise our glasses to Francesco Angelini,
Norberto Bocchi, Giorgio Duboin, Lorenzo Lauria, Antonio Sementa
& Alfredo Versace, together
with their Captain, Maria Teresa Lavazza
and Coach, Massimo Ortensi.
The ease of their victory makes them clear favourites to go on
to a sixth victory in Malmö in two years time, but meanwhile
they will spearhead the European challenge for the greatest prize
of all in next years Bermuda Bowl.
The silver medallists, Spain, will accompany them in their
quest for Bridge's Holy Grail, along with Norway, who took
bronze, Bulgaria and Sweden.
These five countries, together with Poland, Netherlands
and England will receive invitations to compete in the Champions
Cup in Warsaw in October.
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