The comeback of Mihai

The lead passed from hand to hand, 6 times over — it was anyone's guess.

Last place: Ana, with 100 points. Leading by the book until the last of the opening eights... then the cards turned the page. Ana, hard luck. In the third of the opening eights: Ana said 3, scooped 6, and Elena was left counting the pieces.

Neither at the front nor at the back: Elena in 5th, with 109 points. The comfort zone. Elena was ahead of Vînă right up to the last hand. 2 hands in a row: Elena broke the contract each time while everyone else made theirs.

In 4th place, Leize, on 115 points. The last hand decided it: Leize went past Elena right on the line. After the third of the closing eights, Leize was leading the table — but the last hands had other plans.

Vînă rounds out the podium with 117 points. Bronze still counts as a medal. The last hand decided it: Vînă went past Leize right on the line. Level on points with Ioana, and behind only on the tie-break.

Runner-up sounds good — gold sounded better. Ioana, with 117 points. In the last of the opening eights: Ioana said 2, scooped 5, and Leize was left counting the pieces. Ioana was even in front after the fourth of the closing eights.

Mihai gathered 123 points and the hearts of the crowd. Bravo! Mihai only went in front at the very last hand. It didn't start well — only 3rd after the opening eights — but it clearly didn't end there.

Congratulations to all — see you at the next table!