RI, Sweden share lead in bridge meet

RI, Sweden share lead in bridge meet

JAKARTA (JP): Collecting 55 points, Indonesia topped the West
Group on the opening day of the Bermuda Bowl men's team world
bridge championships in Beijing on Monday.

Indonesia took the group lead in the 16-team tournament after
an unexpectedly easy 21-9 win over France, a 23-7 victory over
Venezuela and an 11-19 loss to South Africa.

After Indonesia came Australia, which garnered 53 points,
followed by South Africa (49 pts), the Netherlands (48),
Argentina (47), Venezuela (40), France (36) and USA-1 (31).

As for the East Group, it was Sweden which was at the
forefront with 55 points, after defeating USA-2. Trailing behind
it were Italy (54), USA-2 (53), Canada (50), Colombia and host
China (40 each), Brazil (33) and Egypt (30).

Although Indonesia fielded its two best pairs -- veterans
Hengky Lasut/ Eddy Manopo and Denny Sakul/ Franky Karwur --
Indonesia's win over France was unexpected, a fact conceded by
Indonesia's team manager Frans Waleleng.

France was the champion in the men's team event of the Bridge
Olympiad in Salsomagiore, Italy, three years ago.

However, Indonesia's loss to South Africa was not expected
either. "South Africa's players are experienced. But our players
are by no means outclassed. The odds were simply against us,"
Waleleng said.

He added that, in the equivalent tournament two years ago in
Santiago, Chili, Indonesia and South Africa each beat the other.

In the Venice Cup women's team tournament, which also opposes
16 teams split into two groups, France and USA-1 led their
respective groups. (arf)