KARACHI, Nov 15: United States of American (USA) 1 clinched the Venice Cup women World Bridge title by beating China after a gruelling and close contest in Monte Carlo (Monaco) according to information received on Saturday.

In the Bermuda Bowl, USA1 is enjoying 37 International Match Points (IMPs) lead over Italy.

It turned out to be a very close contest between China and USA1 in Venice Cup. In the six segments played in last two days of the championship USA1 scored 33-45, 41-38,

44-17,21-48, 49-21 and 36-41 IMPs.

Kathie Wei-Sender, Betty An Kennedy Jill Levin, Sue Picus, Tobi Sokolow, Janice S. Molson represented USA1.

Two more rounds on Saturday will decide the fate of the Championship.

Lavazza of Italy defeated Jansama of Netherland by 55-45 IMPs and at the other table Zhuang of China outpaced Brachman of USA1 by a convincing score of 91-40 IMPs in the semifinals of the Team championship.—APP