Ioana comes back from behind

The cards were dealt, and so were the nerves. Here is the story.

Ioana won the game with 133 points. It didn't start well — only 3rd after the opening eights — but it clearly didn't end there.

Ana led for 21 hands but finished second, 9 points behind. Ana left the robot at the wheel most of the evening and still came out respectable. Teamwork with the server.

Third, on the podium: Elena, up there with eyes on the top step. Elena got past Cosmin at the very last hand. In the third of the closing eights: Elena said 1, scooped 4, and Ana was left counting the pieces.

In 4th place, Radu, on 116 points. The last hand decided it: Radu went past Cosmin right on the line. 5 hands in a row: only Radu slipped, while the rest said it and did it. The cards were kind to everyone but Radu.

Cosmin finishes right in the middle — neither hot nor cold — 5th, with 111 points. Cosmin was ahead of Elena right up to the last hand. After the fifth of the closing eights, Cosmin was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Mihai closed the table from the back, on 100 points — there is always a next game. From leader to red lantern. The little wedge tipped the big cart — and the cart was Mihai.

Well played everyone — and especially Ioana!