It turned out differently this time. There was no final-board rally by the opponents. Italy are the new Bermuda Bowl champions, winners by the score of 268-250 over USA1.

The team captained by Maria Teresa Lavazza made up for the disappointment of losing to their American rivals on the last board of the championship in Monte Carlo two years ago with a strong performance in the second half of the 128-board final.

The champions are Norberto Bocchi, Giorgio Duboin, Fulvio Fantoni, Lorenzo Lauria, Claudio Nunes, Alfredo Versace.

The silver medallists are Dick Freeman, Bob Hamman, Jeff Meckstroth, Nick Nickell, Eric Rodwell, Paul Soloway. The bronze medal went to USA2 in a play-off earlier in the tournament.

The final two sets in the Bermuda Bowl promised to be dramatic — Italy started the day only 8 IMPs ahead — and they did not disappoint. The Italians increased their lead by only 1 IMP with 16 boards to play, plenty of time for an American rally.

It did not happen, however, as the Italians were never seriously threatened. The Americans simply could not take advantage of several opportunities to earn their second straight Bermuda Bowl.