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New Zealand at the APBF
Two New Zealand teams, an Open and Ladies’ team, are taking part in the 51st Hicar APBF Bridge Federation Championships which start today in, Seoul, Korea. We will be bringing you here on this website daily reports of their progress.
Although traditionally, the event has featured countries in the Eastern side of Asia, Zone 6, as well as from our own Oceania Zone 7, it has been further enhanced this time with the participation of Kuwait and India.
The competition features an Open event (15 teams), Seniors’ (16 teams), a Ladies competition with 12 teams and separate Youth events. The Junior competition has 10 countries participating, the Girls competition 7 and a Youngster event with 8. Australia has teams in all competitions except the Youngster competition.
At the Opening Ceremony: our Ladies: Glenis Palmer,Jenny Wilkinson,Linda Cartner, Susan Humphries, Steph Jacob, Kris Wooles (npc) and Shirley Newton
The main double round robin events run for eight days until 5th June. The following two days will see play-offs among the Zone 6 countries for that zone’s places in the Bermuda Bowl/Venice Cup. On 6th June, both New Zealand teams will play a 64 board test match against Australia. The bridge ends with a one day Swiss Pairs on 7th June.
The two New Zealand teams bear a strong resemblance to the two teams who performed so well in Poland last year. In each case, two pairs are the same with the third pairs both being very experienced in these events. Ashley Bach- Michael Cornell and Matthew Brown – Michael Whibley will be in the Open team with Peter Newell – Martin Reid. Steph Jacob – Susan Humphries and Shirley Newton – Jenny Wilkinson are in the Ladies team along with Linda Cartner – Glenis Palmer. The two npcs, Derek Evennett (Open) and Kris Wooles (Ladies) were also both in Poland.
Our Open team: Peter Newell, Ashley Bach, Michael Cornell, Derek Evennett (npc and chef de mission), Michael Whibley, Martin Reid and Matthew Brown.
With a three hour time lag, play starts at midday, today New Zealand time. I am sure all wish both our teams well. Tune in each day here and see how they have fared or even follow the link provided to see the latest results yourself. Click here. Day 1 sees our Open team play Kuwait, Indonesia, China Hong Kong and China. Our Ladies play Thailand, Korea 2 and Australia.
Richard Solomon