Netherlands clinch second ever world title bridge

The Netherlands captured their second ever world title in the open tournament at the 40th World Championships bridge in Veldhoven on Saturday.After a final of three days, eight sets and 128 games the Dutch team, consisting of Bas Drijver, Bauke Muller, Ricco van Prooijen, Louk Verhees Jr, Simon de Wijs and Sjoert Brink beat the second team of the United States 300-255 to capture the so called Bermuda Bowl.With 32 boards to play after the first two final days on Thursday and Friday, the Netherlands have already had a comfortable lead of 244-189.In the first session on Saturday the Dutch extended their lead to 81 imps and they could easily await the final session. The Netherlands earlier captured the Bermuda Bowl in in 1993 in Chili.Bauke Muller was the only member of the current team who was also part of the team of 1993. "Unbelievable, fantastic," he told Xinhua. "It can't become more beautiful than this. Being crowned World champions in your own country after such a long time. Eighteen years ago it was a big surprise, but now expectations were high.""Now it was even more exhausting than eighteen years ago. We were very tired in the end," he added. His team mate Simon de Wijs had the same opinion. "I did not get to sleep last night, neither did I in the nights before," De Wijs said. "Simply too much adrenaline, but if you win, it feels good."The Dutch had beaten co-favorites Italy 199.3-170 in the semi-finals. "The semi-final against Italy already felt like a final," said Bas Drijver. "The winner of that semifinal was a favorite for the finals. I am glad we could live up to these expectations."Italy captured the bronze medal on Saturday by beating the United States 1 (167-69).On Friday the French teams grabbed the other two major prizes by winning the women's tournament, the Venice Cup, and the tournament for Seniors, the D'Orsi Senior Bowl.The French women were building a 196.3-103 lead after five sets in the final. The Indonesians withdrew with a set to go. The Dutch women finished third by defeating England 109-91.In the senior championship, with players aged above 60 years old, the French were behind 132-141.3 against USA2 after five sets, but managed to grab the gold medal by claiming the last set 33-19, finishing on 165-160.3. The bronze medal went to Poland after they easily beat USA1 118-36.