Traditional set of 10 teams arrived to Szeged to compete in the 26th edition of the Mitropa Cup. Hungary, the titleholders, were top seeded at 2506 ahead of boosting Italy (2487) and Slovenia (2482). Michele Godena of Italy (2558) was the highest ranked one out of 10 GMs participating in the tournament. The competition was very strong with top team being ranked by mere 40 Elo points higher than seed #7.

Italy wiped out Switzerland 4-0 on the opening day to take early lead which they retained even losing 2½-1½ to France on day five. Hungary conceded a five lost matches streak to find themselves near the bottom of the table. France's 3½-½ vs Switzerland on day six let them move on to the lead. On penultimate day France, looking for their first Mitropa Cup win since 2000 were heavily defeated by recovered Hungarian team 3-1. Meanwhile, Italy sensationally lost to the Czech Republic by the same 3-1 to virtually dispel all of their gold medal dreams. 3-1 vs Slovakia sealed third ever French triumph, contributed mainly by board #2 IM Marzolo (6½/9). It is necessary to add they used no reserve. Italy came in good second (previously they came second only in 1978 and 1981) but were certainly hoping for more with 17-year-old prodigy Sabino Brunello taking prize for best individual result at board #3. Extremely young German team came in third thanks to firm shape of all five members of the team. Best individual result was achieved by Slovenia's #4 Jure Škoberne - 7½/9.

*   *   *

An interesting jury case occurred in round 4 in a game between Erdős of Hungary and Lötscher of Switzerland. Black got decisive advantage under immense time pressure on both sides. Suddenly, while Black was on the move, Beat Züger, Swiss coach touched black pawn c2 and promoted it to a Queen. As Black quickly won, the Hungarians made formal protest demanding Züger be punished. The captains meeting decided settle a dispute, but as they admitted, they were helpless in this case.