We can prepare salute the Open Champions of Europe, as Italy are 98.50 VP clear of second place with only four rounds to go. The real interest centres on who will join them on the Road to Bali next year. Spain is second but they are not yet safe, and the same can be said of Bulgaria, Norway and Poland, who occupy the next three places.

Germany and The Netherlands will play the match that may decide the destination of the Women's title on VuGraph this afternoon. However, the Dutch will start with a significant advantage of 13 VP. It was a bad day for Germany and a repeat performance might even see them miss the Bali airbus. It is not at all clear who will be catching that particular plane as just just 11 points cover the next six teams.

France is certain to be crowned as Seniors Champion today, as they have a bye in the last round, and whatever the affect of a late appeal last night they will be at least 7 VP clear of second placed Israel when play starts. Denmark are heavy favourites to capture the other medal.