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)