Golden moment for Great Britain

By Djanwar Madjolelo

JAKARTA (JP): The team of Sandra Landy, Michael Handley, Liz McGowan, Heather Dhondy, Pat Davies and Nicola Smith took Great Britain to a 12th victory in the 43rd European Bridge Championships at Montecatini Terme, Italy, June 14-28.

The Ladies Event, with 24 nations competing, became a contest between the holders, France and Great Britain.

Britain emerged with the gold, giving the nation its 12th victory for its European ladies team -- more than any other nation. France won the silver, just ahead of Israel.

The Venice Cup Champions from Germany, after an awful start, realigned their partnerships and climbed back to fourth place, just two points ahead of their traditional rival, the Netherlands.

Five strong teams earned their qualification for the upcoming Venice Cup -- The Ladies Teams World Championship -- in Hammamet, Tunisia, later this month.

The British Ladies started the day with a five point advantage over France, the holders. Britain had to play Hungary and Greece, while France was to meet Poland and Iceland.

These were the key deals from the second half of Round 22, Board 19:

Dealer: South Game : East, West

NORTH

S A 7 6 4 2

H J 7

D A Q J 7 6

C 5

WEST EAST

S Q 5 3 S J 10 8

H K 9 3 H 10 8 6 5 4 2

D 8 2 D 9 3

C K J 7 6 3 C Q 10

SOUTH

S K 9

H A Q

D K 10 5 4

C A 9 8 4 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH Welker McGowan Welker Dhondy - - - 1C Pass 1S Pass 2D Pass 3D Pass 3NT Pass 4D Pass 4H* Pass 4NT Pass 5D Pass 5NT Pass 6C Pass 7D All pass * 4H was a cue-bid.

Once Diamonds were agreed, North asked about controls and learned that South held three aces, counting the king and a king outside.

Heather Dhondy's grand slam proved unbeatable when she set up the Spade for a Heart discard.

West led a trump won in dummy, and declarer began with a Club ruff.

The Hungarians at the other table reached only three No Trumps, for a vital 14 IMPs to Britain.

Ladies Team final ranking:

1. Great Britain 434 VP (Victory Point)

2. France 422 VP

3. Israel 419.5 VP

4. Germany 403 VP

5. Netherlands 401 VP