‘Bridge Cheating Well Documented’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30761, 27 May 1965, Page 13

‘Bridge Cheating Well Documented’

fIV.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

BUENOS AIRES, May 25. Mr Geoffrey Butler, president of the British Contract Bridge Association, said the cheating case against the two British team players, Mr Terence Reese / and Mr Boris Schapiro, “has been very well documented ”

The two players were formally accused of “grave irregularities” by the executive commission of the World Bridge Federation on Sunday.

during the final round of the thirteenth world bridge championship in Buenos Aires. Britain forfeited all points and was placed last.

Italy won the championship and received the award at a ceremony last night. The accused players were absent. Both stayed out of sight, in their hotel rooms. They telephoned frequently for airline bookings for today. Mr Butler said: “All the evidence has been turned over to the British bridge authorities, which will have to decide what to do. I have no further comment.”

He reported that evidence of cheating was gathered—among other means—“by direct observation by authorities of the World Bridge Federation.”

Strong suspicion had existed for four or five days, lie said.

Both Mr Reese and Mr Schapiro have denied the allegations. Mr Butler was one of sev-.

eral World Bridge Federation authorities who discreetly observed Mr Reese and Mr Schapiro at play. He is president of the world federation appeals committee. Another was said tn be Baron von Sedwitz, of the United States.

Mr Ralph Swimmer, the non-playing captain of the British team, participated in one of the observation sessions.

An authoritative championship source said photographs also were taken and a study the hands played was made.

“You add these together and you- get the evidence,” the source said. The source said Mr Schapiro and Mr Reese used finger signs. “One would toy with his pipe and the other signalled with hand and finger mannerisms,” the source said.