LAHORE, April 15: The defending champion 'Formidable' from India gained top position with 116 Match Points at the end of first six rounds in the team event of the 10th International Balijee bridge championship which moves into the final phase at the Lahore Gymkhana Club on Saturday.

Up to now the going has been tough for at least the top ten teams and though the leaders from New Delhi seem to be in a strong position, the others are giving a tough fight.

Formidable comprising Mrs. Kiran Nader, K R Venkatraman, Subash Gupta and B Satyanarayana have combined well to make their team look strong.

But the leaders are facing a threat from 'Aces' consisting of Shoaib Bokhari, Wahid Khan, Izzat Khalil and Ghias Malik, who have scored 115 VPs and at the end of the day are poised for a good showing.

The Blue team comprising Humayun, Farrukh, Jehangir, Yasir and Usaid was at the third position with 112 VPs.

Defending champions after losing a close match 16-14 to their countrymen Delhi Bridge Association-I, placed against KBA and netted maximum, 25-5. In the sixth round they had the better of Raaj International 19-11.

Raj International had also come into the main slots with 97 VPs defeating Aces 18-12.

Though no prediction could be made at this stage, Formidable, Aces, Raj International, Hadi, Delhi Bridge Association and surprise of the tournament Blue Team is likely to form the mainstream.

Sunday is the last day of the championship.

Results (after six rounds):

Formidable 116 MPs; Aces 115; Blue Team 112; Raj International 110; Hadi 109; Delhi Bridge Association I 109; Delhi Gymkhana I 108; Raees 104; EFU 98; and Chandna 96.