Lucky late entry for bridge four

Press, 26 October 1982, Page 3

Lucky late entry for bridge four

Special corresondent Waikato Bays and Canterbury contract bridge players combined to win the 1982 national fours championship in Wellington during the holiday week-end. The victorious quartet — Bill Haughie’ (Hamilton). Alan Turner (Tauranga). and Frank Lu and Michael Sykes (Christchurch) — was never lower than fourth and during the latter stages held first place in the round-robin tournament of 12 teams. The winners enjoyed some luck before a card was played. Through a misunderstanding their entry was overlooked. The Contract Bridge Association determined' the field, and only because of a withdrawal was the post-entry of the Haughie four accepted. A strong challenge came from a Hastings four captained by the veteran woman player and former national representative. Zelda Morris, partnered by Lyn Bishop, with Keith Bishop and Grant Friis.

The verve and resource of the Haughie team took it to the top. but the Hastings players were tenacious and steady, qualities that were conspicuously absent in some prestige teams and pairs. Haughie and Turner have won numerous titles in teams and pairs in recent years, while Lu • first made his presence felt as partner of John Wignail, of Christchurch. in the 19605. But it was Sykes’ ’ first national championship win. The Christchurch four of Wignall. Bob Scott, Roy Kerr, and Bruce Anderson was high on the ladder in the early stages, but Sunday was an unhappy day for the team, which finished fifth. The top placings were: Haughie and team, 165, 1; Morris and team, 144, 2; Richard Soloman, Trevor Robb (Auckland), Paul Carter, Alistair Beck (Hamilton), 124, 3; V. Gravis and team (Wellington), 120, 4; John Wignall and team (Christchurch). 110. 5.