The comeback of Denisa

The lead passed from hand to hand, 9 times over — it was anyone's guess.

Sebi took last place without any nerves at all, on 77 points. In the third of the opening eights, Sebi bid 3 and took 6 — and Elena went down with it. After the seven-card hand on the way up, Sebi was 2nd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Third, and on the podium: Ionela, with 93 points. Level on points with Elena, and behind only on the tie-break. In the last of the opening eights: Ionela said 1, scooped 4, and Sebi was left counting the pieces.

Elena finishes second, 8 points short of gold. Silver shines, but not quite the same. The last hand decided it: Elena went past Ionela right on the line. 2 hands in a row: only Elena slipped, while the rest said it and did it. The cards were kind to everyone but Elena.

Denisa crossed the finish line first, on 101 points. Denisa was even last after the four-card hand on the way up, which makes the win all the sweeter.

Well played everyone — and especially Denisa!