the goan I network
PANAJI
India made it to the finals in ‘super-mix’ and ‘senior’ events but were shocked by Hong Kong in the ‘men’ category, at the ongoing 3rd Asia Cup bridge championship at Miramar on Saturday. China and Australia are also in the title clashes of various events, which conclude on Sunday.
The hosts featured in four out of five semi-finals today but emerged only 50 percent successful due to a good show of Super-mix and Senior teams, while the Men’s and Mix teams failed to advance. Indian Super-mix A team consisting of Vinay Desai, Shibhanath Dey, Pranab Bardhan,Vasanti Shah, Marianne Karmarkar & Bharti Dey, put up a fine display to beat their compatriots B team to enter the finals.
In the Senior event, the hosts showed a good fighting spirit and earned 102 points against China to storm into the finals. However in the Men’s section, India B put up a very good fight but could not overcome the challenge of Hong Kong, who unexpectedly topped their rivals by a difference of 10 points to get into the finals.
The Mix semi-final between India A and China Taipei witnessed a close contest. In the first round, the hosts were left behind by 17 points. But in the second round, they fought back and closed the gap. However, in the final round China Taipei cruised to victory.
India bridge players Aparna Sain and Feroza Chothia expressed confidence that their Super-mix team can win the title. “We have played a good game till now to enter the finals. We will put up all efforts to win the title,” they said.
Captain of India B Senior team, Ashok Ruai hailed the mind sport for its benefits. “This game keeps us fit as it stimulates the brain. Everybody should play bridge to improve the whole lifestyle,” he said.
