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Profile of the sixth Bridge Black who will be representing New Zealand at the World Champs in Salsomaggiore Italy starting this week. 

Name:   Michael Whibley

Age:  35

Home club:   Akarana (but lives in Masterton)

Michael (left) with Bridge Black partner Matt Brown.

When did you first started playing bridge:  16 years old

 

What/who got you into playing bridge I Stumbled across the game online.

 

When did you first represent New Zealand in the Open Team?  I first played for NZ at the age of 18 with Ashley Bach in Korea 2005.  I have been playing with Matthew Brown for  6 years.

 

Greatest success/most memorable tournaments?   Bermuda Bowl Lyon 2017. We had a big last day of qualifying to make the top 8. Then in the QF against the Netherlands we came from behind in the last segment to win.

 

Who is your main competition at the Bermuda Bowl and why? Switzerland, Norway, USA1

 

What are the goals of the Bridge Blacks in this competition?  Qualifying for the quarterfinals is the first goal. After that, we are only 3 matches away from winning.

 

What are you looking forward to about the event in Salsomaggiore?  How do you think this championship will differ from pre-Covid events?  Playing good bridge with Matt against the best teams in the world.

 

Do you have any plans (in addition to playing bridge) whilst in Europe?   Plan to visit friends in Malta after the tournament.

 

What are your interests outside of bridge?  I enjoy trail running and hiking in the mountains. Usually with my dog, Lucy.

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