Austria, Brazil Lead in Bridge Tourney

SAO PAULO, Brazil —  Austria and Brazil hold small leads after 64 deals of their 160-deal semifinals in the Bermuda Bowl world contract bridge team championships at Sao Paulo.

After Monday’s play, Austria led Israel, 175-147, and Brazil led the United States, the defending champion, 137-103.

In the Venice Cup, the women’s world team championship, France led Britain, 105-83, and the United States had a huge 196-98 lead over Taiwan. The women’s semifinals are 128-deal.

Israel made a strong comeback over the final 16-deal segment. Trailing by 58, they outscored Austria, 63-33, to narrow the gap.

Brazil took the lead at the outset, leading at the end of the 16-deal segments by 8, 14, 32 and 34 points.