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It’s not easy when you are a full-time student and are aiming to play against the world’s best bridge players in this year’s World Championships in Poland. There’s the little question of finding enough time to practice and there’s another little question of cost.

Auckland’s Tracey Lewis recognized that and on Sunday 29^th May organized a fund –raising tournament at the Auckland Bridge Club for Michael Whibley and Matthew Brown who are both juggling their time between study and bridge.

Tracey put a huge effort into running the day but would like to thank the many others who also gave most willingly:

Molten Restaurant, Hedgerow, Remuera New World, Edible Blooms, Herne Bay Pharmacy, Waitemata Honey, Whangarei Bridge Club, Auckland and Akarana Bridge Club, Babich Wines, Val Gardiner, fudge maker extraordinaire Carol DeLuca and our wonderful Patrick Carter who ran the event effortlessly.

There was also her most able bodied assistant, Sharon Marryatt, and all those who came along to play, brought food for after play and who gave donations. Patrick organized an Individual session with each of the 64 players playing 3 boards with 9 different partners. They were divided into 3 sections. The section winners were Michael Ware, Heather Salmons and Suzanne Stevenson.

Section winner, Heather Salmons (right) along with other participants, Jan Siegers, Pat Milliner and Jan Ashwell

conduct the after-play post-mortem in the best possible way.

 

Peer Bach, Gary Chen and Andrew Janisz reflect on a board played as Michael Whibley (right) records the score

Among fund-raising activities were a very well-supported raffle and the auctioning off of Michael and Matthew to two players who will play a tournament with them. The lucky two are Val Gardiner and Tracey herself.

Fortune favours the brave at the bridge table and Matthew is not afraid when it comes to bidding.

 

 

Matthew (East) bid to the ultimate, 7NT, and needed some good breaks. However, partner’s hand produced one additional jewel in that J. South led K and Matthew cashed his spade and diamond winners. That left just four cards remaining and meant South could not retain four clubs and the Q.

A touch of such good fortune would be handy in Poland. Tracey ensured a very handy $1840 went into each of Michael and Matthew’s bank accounts as a result of a most successful day. One other important factor was that everyone there would have had a most enjoyable afternoon too. Well done, Tracey and thanks to all involved.

Richard Solomon

 

 

 

 

 

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