The comeback of Elena

The lead changed hands 13 times — nobody got comfortable at the top.

Last place, with dignity: CIV16670, with 98 points. Somebody had to do it. Leading by the book until the six-card hand on the way down... then the cards turned the page. CIV16670, hard luck. In the third of the closing eights: CIV16670 said 3, scooped 6, and Elena and Mihai were left counting the pieces.

Matia finished 5th with 101 points. In the fourth of the opening eights: Matia said 2, scooped 6, and Leize and Mihai were left counting the pieces.

Neither at the front nor at the back: Leize in 4th, with 105 points. The comfort zone. After the fourth of the closing eights, Leize was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans. From the tail of the table to a warm spot: Leize plays right down to the last card.

Third, on the podium: Ana, up there with eyes on the top step. Ana was even in front after the three-card hand on the way down.

Second place for Mihai, with 114 points. So close to the top they can still taste it — bittersweet. 2 hands in a row: the table said and did, Mihai said and... hoped. It didn't hold. Mihai was even in front after the two-card hand on the way down.

Elena takes the game with 119 points and goes home happy.

Well played everyone — and especially Elena!