Youth trumps in bridge

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33219, 8 May 1973, Page 36

Youth trumps in bridge

"The Press" Special Service ' WELLINGTON. The contract bridge open team trial, which ended in Wellington last evening, proved a triumph for youth. The two top pairs after three days and 11 rounds of play were R. J. Brightling ind P. H. Marston, of Christchurch, who are 23 and 24 respectively, and S. J. Abrahams and M. L. Cornell, of Auckland. Abrahams is in his early 30s and Cornell is 25. Abrahams and Cornell have been prominent on the New Zealand bridge scene for several years and won selection to play in the world

championship in Miami last year. But Marston and Brightling, who have been playing tournament bridge for only four years, were sixth in the national pairs championship in Wellington in 1971. Brightling was a member of the Christchurch four captained by J. R. Wignall which won the national teams title last year. The Brightling-Marston success at the week-end makes them the youngest internationals since V. Gravis and T. Winiata played for New Zealand in Australia in 1970. The two top pairs in "he national trials win automatic selection in international contests, which will be held this year in Hong Kong and probably Australia. The third pair

to make up the full team will be announced at the national teams-of-four championship in Wellington next month. The top platings were:— Brightling and Marston (Christchurch), 57.13 victory points, 1; Abrahams and Cornell (Auckland). 54.67. 2; R. S. Young and Mrs Young (Wanganui). 52.08, 3; J. R. Wignall and R. P. Kerr (Christchurch), 51.54. 4; R. S. Wilkin and R. A. Hurley (Palmerston North). 51.14, 5.