The comeback of Ionela

8 changes of leader: this one was a tug of war.

The tail of the table: Elena, with 72 points. Somebody has to hold the candle. The table was Elena's after the seven-card hand on the way down; the second half had other ideas. In the second of the opening eights: Elena called 3, took 7, and Mihai was left out in the cold.

Third, on the podium: Ana, up there with eyes on the top step. In the first of the opening eights: Ana said 1, made 5, and the evening was ruined for Ionela. Ana was even in front after the five-card hand on the way up.

Second place for Mihai, with 91 points. So close to the top they can still taste it — bittersweet. 3 hands in a row: the table said and did, Mihai said and... hoped. It didn't hold. From the tail of the table to a warm spot: Mihai plays right down to the last card.

Ionela crossed the finish line first, on 99 points. 3 hands in a row: the table said and did, Ionela said and... hoped. It didn't hold.

Well played everyone — and especially Ionela!