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One at 101

 

It would be very rare that we give pride of place to the result of a 3A Open Pairs event but today is that day.

Winners of the event, the Auckland Club’s 3A Billie Tohill Open Pairs,  held on 26th August, were none other than the Mt Albert Club’s KC Lee and Arch Jelley.

Last year, we celebrated Arch’s 100th birthday and now at the age of 101, he has recorded a win in a 3A competition.

Arch 101 wins 3A.jpg 
KC and Arch celebrate their victory along with with Auckland Bridge Club 
President, Neil Stuckey
. Guess who made the victory speech? Why, Arch, of course. 

The win in itself is quite a feat but let’s just have a look at the level of player he was up against. In the 16 pair field, there was a New Zealand Open, a Senior and Women’s international. There were also a Gold and two Silver Grandmasters. This was no easy competition.

Arch and KC also won both sessions as well as winning overall. In total, 52 boards were played requiring a high level of concentration over about a 6-hour period.

Arch has hit the headlines in the past as a top international athletics coach. His achievement in winning this event at the age of 101 is also a great achievement.

Well, we just have to show you one deal.

Board 23
South Deals
Both Vul

A 3

Q 6 2

J 10 6 4

Q 10 8 3

8 6 4 2

9 7 4

8 7 5

7 4 2

 

N

W

 

E

S

 

K J 10 7 5

K 10 8 5 3

9 2

9

 

Q 9

A J

A K Q 3

A K J 6 5

Arch was North and after a strong opening by KC got to be declarer in 6NT. East selected an attacking Spade-smallJ opening lead and Arch scored the queen at trick 1. Eventually, he could take the heart finesse to make all 13 tricks. Only 3 of the 8 North-South pairs were in 6NT and only one other made all 13 tricks.

Congratulations, Arch, on your win….a lovely outcome.

Richard Solomon

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