America wins 2 title in Shanghai

By Djanwar Madjolelo

JAKARTA (JP): The first annual China Cup international bridge tournament was held in Beijing in September 1966. The World Bridge Federation's president, Jose Damiani, sees this competition as the possible forerunner to an annual World Bridge Tour along the lines of golf's PGA tour.

This year's China Cup was in Shanghai.

There were four entries in each team event. They were from the China Bridge Association, the American Contract Bridge League, the European Bridge League and the World Bridge Federation.

America won two titles, the women's team and the open pairs, while China took top honors in open teams.

The most exciting hand was in the team event. An average 15 IMP per match changed hands:

Board 3

Dealer: South

Vulnerable: East-West

NORTH

(S) A 10 8 5 2

(H) Q

(D) A J 8 7 6 5 4

(C) void

WEST EAST

(S) void (S) J 7 3

(H) A 10 8 4 3 (H) 7 6 5 2

(D) 10 9 3 2 (D) void

(C) A 4 3 2 (C) Q J 8 7 6 5

SOUTH

(S) K Q 9 6 4

(H) K J 9

(D) K Q

(C) K 10 9

The most amazing result occurred on the Vugraph.

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Li Xin Romanksi Chen Rong Chang Kowalski

- - - 1S

Pass 4C* Pass 4D

Pass 5C** Pass 5NT

Pass 7S All pass

* Singleton or void in clubs

** First round control of clubs

Li Xin, knowing of the Club void, figured he would not go far wrong leading a low Club -- Jacek Romanski would have to ruff because he would never guess Li Xin had underled an Ace. Sure enough Romanski ruffed and that was his 13th trick.

At the other table, the opening lead against 6 Spade was the Heart Ace followed by a Diamond, ruffed for one down. 17 IMPs to the World Bridge Federation.

America lost 16 IMPs Against Europe's 6 Spade, John Schemer cashed his Heart Ace but then tried his Club Ace. Making 6 Spade.

This was the bidding at the other table:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Auken Weinstein Koch Stewart

- - - 1C

Pass 2D Pass 2S

Pass 3S Pass 4S

Pass 5C Pass 5H

Pass 7S Double All pass

Jens Auken, looking at two aces, did not lead either of them. Instead he obeyed his partner's Lightner Double Convention and must lead the 10 Diamond to give suit preference. Dennis Koch ruffed, returned a Heart to Auken's Heart Ace and ruffed another Diamond for three trick set: 3 down.

The World Bridge Federation women made small Slam when Deas (America women) attempted to cash the Club Ace. At the other table Yuanita Chambers was doubled in 7 Spade, and the World Bridge Federation women found the killing defense of Diamond- Heart-Diamond: 3 down, 16 IMPs to the World Bridge Federation.

In China versus Europe women's, Europe made a small Slam after a Club Ace lead, while China was the only team not to reach the Slam. 11 IMPs to Europe.