World Junior Bridge c'ships here in 1995

JAKARTA (JP): The World Bridge Federation has named Indonesia host of the 1995 World Junior Bridge Championship, the Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi) announced yesterday.

The nomination was made after the WBF meeting in Sotogrande, Spain last June, Gabsi chief Amran Zamzami said.

"It is indeed a great honor for Indonesia to be chosen as the host of such a prestigious competition. Indonesia had to compete against 100 countries - all members of the WBF - to be given the chance to host the event," Amran said.

The international bridge governing body has sent its top official, Panos Gerantopoulos of Greece, to Indonesia last February to inspect the probable venues the championship will be staged.

"We have offered two places - Jakarta and Bali. It seems the WBF is favoring Bali. However, we have yet to decide which city will be chosen," Amran said.

He said Indonesia's preparations for the event have been reported to Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar, the Army Chief of Staff in his capacity as Gabsi patron.

Also reported to Wismoyo yesterday was Gabsi's plan to hold its general meeting scheduled in Aceh, northern Sumatra, from July 20 to 28.

Electing the new board members of Gabsi and holding the annual national championships are the main agendas of the congress. This is for the first time the Aceh province, the most western part of Indonesia, was chosen to hold both the Gabsi meeting and the venue of the national championships. (rsl)