Worldwide Simultaneous Pairs Bridge on June 5

The 2009 Worldwide Simultaneous Pairs Bridge Contest organized by the World Bridge Federation will be held on June 5 at the Women’s International Club, Guilford Crescent, Colombo 7 starting 6.15 p.m.

In this unique annual event, Bridge players over the world contest each other by playing the identical boards over two sessions of play. The 2008 event attracted participation from over 11,000 Bridge players from 76 countries spread over 600 bridge clubs. Dilanjan Soysa and D.P. Senaweera who won the Sri Lankan leg were placed 4th in the Region (Zone 4 comprising Asia and Middle East).

Players interested in participating can contact Rasika Karunatilake, Tournament Secretary on 0777800643 or T. Shanmugalingam, Chief Tournament Director on 0777778662 for further information.

Selection Trials:

The 15th Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle East Championships are scheduled to be held at the Regency Palace Hotel, Amman, Jordan from June 26 to July 4. The three main events at the Championships are the Open, Women and Seniors Teams. Players wishing to represent Sri Lanka are invited to compete as a pair in the selection trials was held on May 23 and 24.

Annual Prize Giving

The annual prize giving of the Bridge Federation of Sri Lanka and the Contract Bridge Association of Sri Lanka will be held on May 29, at the 80 Club, Independence Square, Colombo 7, from 6.15 p.m. onwards.

All past and present Bridge players, enthusiasts and their families are invited to participate as fellowship is a main objective. Tickets are reasonably priced and can be purchased from the BFSL or CBASL. For further information, please contact Cera Fernando, Chairman Organizing Committee, on 0777374967.

Annual Mixed Teams C’ships

The annual Mixed Teams Championship sponsored by the Rotary Club, Colombo West, was held recently at the Bridge Federation Headquarters, Reid Avenue, Colombo 7. In a nail biting contest that went down to the wire, team ‘Cera’ beat the ‘Mustangs’ on a tiebreak.

The Mustangs were leading by 8 VPs going in to the last 10 Board session but Cera fought their way and recovered some ground by staying in a 3NT contract that the Mustangs overbid to 4NTZ; and by bidding and making another marginal 3NT contract which was played in 2 Hearts by the Mustangs after interference by the Cera pair.

The final tally was 102 VPs to both teams but Cera clinched the trophy on a tiebreak by virtue of beating the Mustangs in the 1st session. Team ‘Karu’ was placed 3rd with 92 VPs.

Results:

Winners - ‘Cera’ (102 VPs on Tiebreak): Cera Fernando, T. Shanmugalingam, D.P. Senaweera, Mallika Wijekoon.

Runner up - ‘Mustangs’ (102 VPs): Anton Selvanayagam, Rose Peiris, Rasika Karunatilake and Shanthi Rasiah.

3rd place - ‘Karu’ (92 VPs): Y.R. Karunaratne, Manel De Niese, Asoka Thenuwara, Nirosha Akmeemana.

Tournament Directors

The Bridge Federation is in need of professional Tournament Directors. Those interested please contact the Tournament Secretary on 0777800643. Selected candidates will be given comprehensive training by a WBF qualified Tournament Director from overseas and can proceed to direct club tournaments after a period of apprenticeship under a senior Director.

Promotion of Bridge

The Bridge Federation of Sri Lanka is the governing body for Bridge and is a member association of the Ministry of Sports. The federation is keen to promote the game among clubs and associations around the country.

The Federation will provide teaching and tournament directing assistance for a nominal fee if there are a sufficient number of members interested in playing the game. Interested clubs, associations and corporate entities please contact the Chairman Tournament and Promotion Committee, D.P. Senaweera on 0776613855.

Separately the Bridge Federation conducts classes for new players at the Federation Headquarters. Members of the public who are interested in learning the game and participating in club tournaments should contact the Secretary of the Training Committee. Cera Fernando on 0777374967.

Event Calendar:

The Mixed Pairs Championship for the Arasakumar trophy will be held at the WIC 30th May, 2009 starting 9.15 a.m., the event is open to all Bridge Players.

Regular duplicate events are conducted on all Tuesdays starting 6.00 p.m. at the BFSL Headquarters, Reid Avenue and on Saturday starting 9.15 a.m. at the WIC, Guilford Crescent.

Events are also held every 1st and 3rd Mondays at the OPA, Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha, Colombo 07. These events are open to all Bridge Players and new players are invited to participate.

For further information and entries contact Rasika Karunatilake, Tournament Secretary on 0777800643 or T. Shanmugalingam, Chief Tournament Director on 0777778662.

RD