posted Sep 21st, 2004 - The ten teams of the 4-way Women's class have completed six more rounds since the last event update was posted. It has been difficult to keep up with each event, especially since 8-way and 4-way Women have been run parallel with each other. For most of the time, there were even 8-way teams and 4-way teams of the Women's class in the same load. The MI-8 helicopter can transport five 4-way teams or two 8-way teams, plus one 4-way team. The meet director decided to use the available space during the 8-way competition by sending one 4-way Women's team with each 8-way load.

USA Synchronicity is still in the lead, which has increased to three points. The US team looks strong and confident and does not seem to be too impressed by the performance of the French team. This is very different compared to the situation at the world meet in 2003, where Synchronicity competed with the same line-up. The team was well trained and strong already in 2003. However, the great skills did not show in the competition where the US team fell far behind the charging teams from the UK and Norway.

France has been on Synchronicity's heels from the very beginning of the competition. It would have been no surprise and quite understandable if any team became a little bit nervous in such a situation. It has not happened to the US team in Croatia until round eight. In fact, the performance is solid and seems to become even stronger round by round. It will be important for the US team to keep the same pace. The French team looks very strong and is only three points behind with two more rounds to go. Round ten is a fast round and could allow an eager contender to make up some ground.

The two-way race for the gold medal is followed by another two-way race for the bronze medal. Italy's Kewara was not able to shake off the Russian Ladybirds, which have moved closer and closer during the 2004 season. The NSL News mentioned earlier this year after the Malevsky World Cup 2004 that the Russian team might have a chance to catch up if the team's progression continued. It did, and the Ladybirds have currently arrived at the bronze medal position. The distance between third and fourth place is three points, as well. This race is surely not over yet, as well.

It is actually quite amazing that each event offers the same situation at the moment. The USA would win all three gold medals, France would win all three silver medals, and Russia would be left with three sets of bronze medals. Will any other nation be able to break into this strong phalanx? Kewara could make it, as well as the other Italian team in the 4-way Open event, Sinapsi PD.

The competition is over for today, clouds have covered the event site, and the teams have been released. The weather is expected to be much better tomorrow. The NSL News will be up bright and early.