Marathon in bridge

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 16

Marathon in bridge

(“The Press" Special Service) WELLINGTON

A three-day bridge-playing marathon began In Wellington yesterday and will continue until Monday afternoon. Fourteen pairs. comprising most of the leading tournament players of the country, are contesting a trial which the New Zealand Contract Bridge Association is conducting to select the team to play against Australia and In the Far East championshins next November in Bangkok. The trial Is staged as a roundrobin event deliberately arranged to test stamina lust as much as proficiency in individual hands. By Mondav afternoon each of tlie nairs Wil! have played 13 matches of 21 deals in a urogramme that will last at least 32 hours. Twenty-six men and two women. Mrs M. J Cunningham, nf Auckland, and Mrs A. E. Kinseßa. of Wellington, are the trialist*. Only three players who ! have renre«ented New Zealand since 1972 are missing. They are S. J. Abrahams, who now lives i Jakarta. J M. Cardwell. of I Wellington, who plays little ton Fridge th«*se da vs. and F. P. S. Lu. of Christchurch, who has withdrawn along with bls part* ner. R. R Hodson, of Dunedin, because Mrs Lu is ill.

Tlie victory points for each round range from 20 for an outright win. tn minus 5 for a severe loss. After two rounds the leaders are: J D Fvftt and G. 'Auckland' 37. W J, Hanghip and R J. Scott (Hamilton) 30. I S Crawford and J. Knight 'Auckland) and B R A J ’Hiomsos W^’lin rt *nn> 28. R P K<»rr J. R. Wlgnall (Christchurch) 28.