Review SPEARHEADED BY ITALY EUROPE PREVAILS IN 2nd IOC GRAND PRIX

European players scored a double victory at the 2nd IOC Grand Prix when the Italian team of Francesco Angelini won the open competition, while a European multi-national team beat North America in the women’s playoff. ITALY WINS WORLD JUNIOR TEAMS USA & DENMARK END UP IN OTHER TOP PLACES

ITALY added one more world title to the impressive list of success it has been enjoying lately, by winning the Ortiz- Patiño Trophy, symbol of world supremacy in Junior bridge. The new Italian triumph was scored in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, where the 7th World Junior Teams Championship took place, 9-18 August 1999. ITALY had no difficulty in finishing well ahead of the 15-coun- try field, representing all 7 of the WBF geographical zones, in the qualifying stage. In the semifinals, they beat ISRAEL, while USA prevailed over defending champions, DENMARK. The final against USA was an easy affair for ITALY, but IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch congratulates DENMARK managed to win third place over ISRAEL only at the Grand Prix winner Francesco Angelini of Italy. last moment.

Following last year’s round-robin and beat inaugural event, the sec- CHINA in the semifinal, but, IN THIS ISSUE ond bridge competition in the final, they lost to „ Editorial ...... 2 „ ITALY and European Ladies arranged by the Interna- ITALY who had faced win 2nd IOC Bridge Grand Prix „ Maastricht to host the 2000 tional Olympic Committee FRANCE successfully in the held in Lausanne’s Olympic . . . .2 took place also at the other semifinal. Thus, ITALY Museum ...... 6-7 magnificent Olympic Mu- won the competition, fin- „ 2001 GENERALI European „ Interviews with the Presi- seum in Lausanne. ishing ahead of BRAZIL and Championships to be held in dents of the EBL’s newest but FRANCE, winners of the Madrid ...... 2 Bridge Olympiad winners also veteran members . .8-9 BRAZIL, FRANCE, ITALY and playoff for third place. „ European Mixed Champion- „ USA were joined in the A women’s head-to-head ships: the first event of the Success in Malta opens Seniors open series by Far East competition between Millennium in Bellaria,® Italy .3 new era for bridge 10 champion CHINA and THE Europe and North America „ Letter from the President, „ European Ladies to enjoy NETHERLANDS, organizer of was added this year Gianarrigo Rona ...... 4 exclusive bridge festival in the 2000 Bridge Olympiad. where EUROPE scored a Prague ...... 11 „ Bridge becomes an Olym- clear victory over the Last year’s joint winner pic sport...... 5 „ Competition Calendar .12 BRAZIL won the qualifying American team. A few months after the MAASTRICHT TO HOST Congress in Malta, President Rona called for a series of WORLD TEAM OLYMPIAD meetings of the the new Executive Committee. AASTRICHT, the Questions of reconstruction oldest city in the were put on the table and the M Netherlands, will principal issue of develop- be home to the 2000 edition ment was thoroughly exam- of the World Bridge Team ined in a congenial atmos- Olympiad which is sched- phere. uled to be held from 26 Once again it was confirmed August to 9 September. that the primary problem of The event is organized by European bridge is lack of the balance; whereas developed in cooperation with the countries continue to develop, Nederlandse Bridge Bond, under-developed ones do not and includes the Open and show any sign of progress. Women series for national The League has tried to teams, as well as the Trans- address this problem in the national Mixed Teams tricht has its own culture, past, and organized seminars Championship. In addition, history, architecture and fine in which experts from the a Seniors Teams series will cuisine. Situated in the ex- developed countries would be held for the first time. The treme southeast of the Neth- attempt to pass their know- 1st World University Bridge erlands, near Belgium, it is how onto the administrators Teams Cup, held under the accessible by car and rail. of countries where progress There is also an airport with is overdue. Unfortunately, auspices of the Fédération daily service from several such people hardly ever Internationale des Sports came, so the plan did not Universitaires (FISU), will cities, including Amsterdam have the desired result. also be held at the same and London. time in Maastricht. The lack of feedback and There is a great variety of effective cooperation from The Olympiad will be staged hotels available to players local administrators needs to at the Maastricht Expositie en and guests of the Olympiad. be recognized as part of the Congres Centrum (MECC), Accommodation can be pro- problem. Similarly, one an ultramodern trade fair vided in 2- to 5-star hotels should wonder if people and and conference centre. Dur- priced from ƒ86 to ƒ505 structures that have not deliv- ing the Olympiad, MECC will (Dutch guilders) for a double ered any results so far may feature a bridge village with room per night, including reasonably be expected to a wide range of stands sell- breakfast but not tourist tax. change course all of a sud- ing bridge items. MECC’s There is also alternative ac- den. facilities include restaurants, commodation in guest hous- Understanding the problem a bank, a hair salon, a fit- es, self-catering apart- goes a long way towards its ness centre and a traditional ments, small hotels and solution. For a long time, it pub. camping sites. Detailed had prevailed that local Maastricht has declared the information is provided by development can only come year 2000 to be ‘the year of the MECC Hotel Service from local people. Perhaps bridge’ and this will be evi- (31-43-383 8300) and this is part of the problem dent throughout the city. As VVV Maastricht (31-43- rather than of the solution - and perhaps results should a multifaceted place, Maas- 325 2121). instead be sought from peo- ple who have already achieved them elsewhere. 2001 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS GO TO MADRID

The GENERALI European the Spanish Federation to host Championships 2001 are to the event in the Municipal be organized in Madrid, Centre of Madrid, in June Spain. 2001. The EBL Executive Committee The details, including dates, has accepted an invitation by are still to be determined. VENUE PROGRAMME & SCHEDULE OF PLAY Centro Congressi Europeo 6th EUROPEAN Bellaria (Rimini), Italy BRIDGE MIXED MIXED PAIRS Saturday 18 March CHAMPIONSHIPS 10.00 - 14.45 Registration REGISTRATION 15.00 - 18.45 Qualification BELLARIA • ITALY session 1 Must be made through the 20.15 - 24.00 Qualification National Federations and send before 18-24 MARCH 2000 session 2 31 January 2000 to: Sunday 19 March 11.00 - 14.45 Qualification Via Ciro Menotti 11/C session 3 I-20129 Milano Italy 17.00 - 20.45 Final & Consolation session 1  39-02-7000 0333 Monday 20 March  39-02-7000 1398  [email protected] 11.00 - 14.45 Final & Consolation session 2 16.00 Prize-giving cocktail

ENTRY FEES MIXED TEAMS MIXED PAIRS: SF 350 per pair Tuesday 21 March MIXED TEAMS: SF 1,000 per team 10.00 - 13.00 Registration To be paid in cash (Swiss Francs) at the Tournament Reception and Registration Desk in Centro Congressi Europeo as per schedule.

14.00 Session 1 Come together in Bellaria to enjoy (4 x 10 boards) the first event of the MillenniumWednesday 22 March 10.00 - Session 2 (2 x 10 boards) HOTEL ACCOMMODATION 16.00 - Session 3 Travel Agency Il mare della Speranza (3 x 10 boards) Via Uso 1 Thursday 23 March I-47814 Bellaria (Rimini) Italy 10.00 - Session 4 (3 x 10 boards)  39-0541-341 111  39-0541-349 883 CASH PRIZES 16.30 - Semifinal (32 boards)  [email protected] Session 5 (2 x 10 boards) PAIRS PRIZES Friday 24 March Over SF 60,000 will be won by: 1st Prize SF 5,000 10.00 - Final & Playoff • MIXED PAIRS: the top 20 contestants (32 boards) and the leading senior pair of the final, TEAMS Session 6 plus the top 10 pairs of the consolation (2 x 10 boards) • MIXED TEAMS: the top 10 teams as 1st Prize SF 10,000 15.30 - Prize giving well as the leading senior team cocktail buffet ear bridge players and Bellaria itself will welcome D friends, us with its colours, fra- The first European event of grances and the charm of the new EBL legislature co- the people of Romagna, for incides with the first bridge whom a warm welcome, event of the Millennium. It is hospitality and good food an extraordinary and unre- are an integral part of their peatable chance to inaugu- tradition and culture. These rate the third Millennium traditions are their banner, of together, to meet, play which they are very proud. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT bridge, cement friendships If you already know Roma- in a most exciting and pres- gna you will have the chance tigious competition. It has to savour its flavours once grown in recent years and more - and if not, your first has become increasingly experience there will certain- important thanks especially ly be one you will not regret. to you and your support. We have been able to obtain I hope there will be very special conditions for ac- many of us in Bellaria, many commodation and facilities of us celebrating and enjoy- and we trust it will fully meet ing ourselves together with your satisfaction. through our favourite sport The EBL Executive Commit- which gives us so much sat- opinions of you players, ideas, while of course re- isfaction and gratification. Of tee and I personally are working to ensure that first technicians and journalists. specting various roles, is it course in bridge, as in all possible to understand, cor- and foremost comes the We are convinced that only sports, it is important to by all working together, rect, improve, optimize. win, but what really counts well-being of you bridge being on the same wave- and gives real value and players, as regards accom- I look forward to seeing you length, and giving total meaning is simply to partic- modation, costs, and the in Bellaria, to be able to per- ipate, to be present. technical organization of the reciprocal co-operation, is it sonally wish you and your Championships. possible to obtain the best loved ones all the best for The best thing that will results for our proposed ob- the forthcoming festivities remain in our hearts and This is the policy we wish to jectives. and a very happy and pros- memories is a small but also carry forward, the one to perous New Year. a big thought, ‘I too was qualify the standard of the We are working for you, we there!’. Irrespective of re- work of this legislature. We are full of enthusiasm and sults achieved this is a are working very hard and we need the co-operation of thought which will always be have already met, discussed you all, also through con- with us and of which we will and studied how to focus structive criticism because be proud and happy. our projects, listening to the only through exchanging Gianarrigo Rona

ALCOHOL BANNED FROM BOOKLET OF MALTA APPEALS AVAILABLE MASTER POINTS EUROPEAN TOURNAMENTS A useful booklet containing of the Appeals Committees at CERTIFICATES DISPATCHED Following a decision of the most appeals from the Malta international events. European Master Points cer- EBL Executive Committee, al- European Championships has tificates from the Malta GEN- been published by the EBL One free copy of the booklet cohol will no longer be al- has been provided for each ERALI European Champion- lowed during European Tour- and distributed to the ships, together with certifi- European NCBOs. player and captain in the open, naments, as from 1 January ladies and senior teams. cates for all European Grand 2000. Mobile phones, pagers The booklet is a must for Masters, have been sent to and other electronic devices every serious student who Additional copies can be the NCBOs for onward distri- are also not to be brought into wishes to understand the rea- obtained from Anna Gudge bution to their players who the playing area. soning behind the decisions ([email protected]) own them. BRIDGE BECOMES AN OLYMPIC SPORT RIDGE has been try- THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HAS The Final Step ing to gain its well de- ALREADY RECOGNIZED THE WORLD BRIDGE Given that the Olympic Sum- served into the B FEDERATION AND PROSPECTS ARE THAT BRIDGE mer Games have grown to the world of Olympism for some WILL SOON BE AN OFFICIAL COMPETITION limit, new disciplines can only time now. Here is an ac- AT THE OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES be accepted in the Winter count of the present status, Games. However, an amend- how this was achieved and Further, Rule 29 also provides stitution and By-laws are being ment/modification of the what remains to be done. that ‘as far as the role of IFs prepared. Olympic Charter is first re- within the Olympic Movement quired, as the latter states that: WBF: a ‘Recognized is concerned, their statutes, The Olympic status ‘Those sports which are prac- Sport Organization’ practice and activities must be of bridge ticed on snow or ice are con- in conformity with the Olympic In June 1995, the International sidered as winter sports’. Charter’. Accordingly, the IOC So far, bridge has reached the Olympic Committee (IOC) ad- Bridge would then apply to be mitted the World Bridge Fed- a demonstration sport at the eration (WBF) as ‘part of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Movement’, awarding CERTIFICAT CERTIFICATE in Salt Lake City, USA. It is it the status of a ‘Recognized hoped that the final step of Sport Organization’. A l’occasion de la bridge becoming a sport disci- On the occasion of the The WBF, in quest for elevation pline will be achieved at the of its status as an IOC-recog- 2006 Olympic Winter Games, nized ‘International Federation’ scheduled to take place in (IF), established an effective Torino, Italy. liaison with the IOC and Presi- dent Juan Antonio Sama- National 109e SESSION DU COMITE INTERNATIONAL ranch. Instrumental in this OLYMPIC A SEOUL Olympic Committees effort were the WBF President 109th SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE IN Until bridge has been included José Damiani, and WBF Vice SEOUL President Mazhar Jafri, who du 17 au 18 mars 1999 in the programme of the from 17th to 18th March 1999 worked in harmony with IOC Olympic Games, National O- Vice President Marc Hodler. lympic Committees (NOCs) are not obliged to accept The 1st IOC Grand Prix for the WORLD BRIDGE FEDERATION (WBF) NCBOs within their member- Bridge was staged at the O- lympic Museum in Lausanne ship fold, although the recog- in September 1998. Speaking nition of the WBF as an Inter- A ÉTÉ RECONNUE, SELON L’ARTICLE 29 DE LA national Federation may and at the opening, President Sa- CHARTE, PAR LE COMITÉ INTERNATIONAL maranch declared that ‘bridge OLYMPIQUE should help this aim. However, RECEIVED RECOGNITION, PURSUANT TO RULE 29 OF THE once bridge becomes part of is a sport and, as such, its CHARTER, FROM THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE place is here (in the Olympic the Olympic Games, NOC Museum) like all other sports’. recognition of the respective NCBO is mandatory. WBF: an ‘International JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH Conclusion Federation’ PRÉSIDENT DU CIO In June 1999, the Internation- Under the Olympic Charter, the al Olympic Committee decided criterion of belonging to the to recognize the World Bridge Olympic Movement is recogni- Federation as an ‘International has requested confirmation same level as golf, rugby, tion by the IOC. Federation’ (IF) under Rule 29 that ‘the WBF doping regula- squash, etc., which, though The goal of the Olympic Move- of the Olympic Charter. Rule tions are in conformity with recognized as sports, are not ment is to contribute to the 29 provides that ‘in order to the Olympic Movement Medi- yet admitted into the Olympic building of a peaceful and bet- promote the Olympic Move- cal Code’ and that ‘the WBF Games. ter world, by educating people ment, the IOC may recognize adheres to the Court of Arbi- through sport practiced with- as IFs international non-gov- From this level, bridge may tration for Sports for the reso- out discrimination of any kind ernmental organizations ad- belong to some International lution of all form of dispute and in the Olympic spirit. ministering one or several Associations of sports and be relating to the sport of bridge’. sports at world level and en- part of the Olympic Congress. The WBF, now an integral part compassing organizations ad- In order to comply with these The WBF logo and flag are of the Olympic Movement, will ministering such sports at na- requirements, the necessary included in IOC publications continue to strive for the tional level’. amendments to the WBF Con- and displays. attainment of the above goal. ITALY AND EUROPEAN LADIES WIN 2nd OLYMPIC GRAND PRIX BRAZIL SECOND & FRANCE THIRD IN ANGELINI TROPHY COMPETITION

ridge returned to Bridge Federation, pointed Format both their East-West combi- the spiritual home out that the successful or- nations. of the Olympic ganization of the first IOC The format for the Open B Series was a round robin of Matches were shown on Games, the Olympic Mu- Grand Prix had enabled 24- matches, with the Bridge Vision and reported seum in Lausanne, for the bridge to be recognized as a first four teams qualifying for on the WBF's site at sport. Subsequently the IOC www.bridge.gr and on other 2nd IOC Grand Prix. the 36-board semi-finals. had promoted the World Internet sites across the The winners of the semi- Innovations Bridge Federation to the world. rank of 'International Feder- finals would meet in the 60- The tournament featured ation'. board final, while the losers The Matches some important changes from last year's inaugural Talking before the start of event. play the mercurial Brazilian The event had been expand- star Gabriel Chagas said that ed to incorporate a women's he had had no time to prac- match between teams repre- tice and expected the final to senting North America and be between USA and ITALY! Europe. His prediction proved to be This year there was a spon- only half-right, as BRAZIL sor. Founded in Ancona in dominated the round robin, 1919 as a pharmacy labora- and in a repeat of last year's tory, the Angelini Group is final, easily defeated CHINA in today one of the leading pri- one semi-final. They faced vately held Italian compa- ITALY, who survived a few nies, with prestigious scares whilst defeating brands, annual billings of FRANCE in the other. close to $1.7 billion and Just as last year, the Brazili- more than 4,000 employ- ans were a four-man team, ees. The generosity of the and signs of fatigue were sponsor meant that the play- evident as ITALY produced ers were competing not only some scintillating bridge in for glory, but also for valu- the early stages of the able prizes. In the Open Juan Antonio Samaranch, match. In the first twenty- Contest the winners would President of the International Olympic Committee, four boards the Italians re- collect $25,000, with speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2nd IOC Grand Prix stricted their opponents to $15,000 going to the run- just one IMP, whilst scoring ners-up and $10,000 to the Also at the Opening Cere- contested the 24-board third eighty-nine of their own! It third-placed team. In the mony, news came from place playoff. The teams lin- was Francesco Angelini, Women's Contest $10,000 Marc Hodler, Vice President ing up alongside the 1998 Antonio Sementa, Andrea would go to the winners and of the IOC, that when bridge joint winners, BRAZIL & Buratti, Massimo Lanzarot- $5,000 to the runners-up. is a demonstration sport in CHINA, were, USA, ITALY, ti, Lorenzo Lauria & Alfredo 2002 in Salt Lake City, the Versace who received the Prospects FRANCE and THE NETHER- event will be housed in a magnificent trophies pre- LANDS. In his welcome to the play- major hotel. It is also possi- sented and awarded by Juan ers at the Opening Cere- ble that the competitors may The Women were to play Antonio Samaranch, the mony, José Damiani, the not stay in the Olympic four matches, each North- President of the IOC at the President of the World Village. South pair scoring up with closing ceremony.

2nd INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE GRAND PRIX • OLYMPIC Francesco Angelini, captain of the Italian team, and Jens Auken who captained the European Ladies team, hold the trophies just handed to them by Juan Antonio Samaranch. Also pictured, Italian stars Lorenzo Lauria, Massimo Lanzarotti & Antonio Sementa on the left, and WBF President José Damiani and IOC Vice President Marc Hodler on the right.

The women's contest got off FINAL to a quiet start, with Europe ITALY-BRAZIL 140-85 holding a slender lead at the end of the first match. How- PLAYOFF ever, in the next two, the FRANCE-CHINA 76-28 European stars were simply irresistible, and they took an SEMIFINALS unassailable lead of more BRAZIL-CHINA 103-62 than 100VPs into the last ITALY-FRANCE 114-71 match. Although the Ameri- cans salvaged some pride QUALIFIER by reducing the winning 1 BRAZIL 98 margin, the continent of 2 ITALY 80 EUROPE had recorded a 3 CHINA 78 notable double. 4 FRANCE 70 IOC officials see how well bridge combines 5 NETHERLANDS 66 The players giving such an with audiovisual technology in Bridge Vision 6 USA 57 outstanding performance were Sabine Auken & Da- is only the lucky ones who present and the future, in- That incredible prospect niela von Arnim of Germa- were present in some spired the players. called to mind these words ny, Veronique Bessis & capacity, as competitors, of Pierre de Coubertin, the Catherine d' Ovideo of Salt Lake City was very founder of the modern France, Pat Davies & Nicola spectators, officials or ad- much on everyone's mind. Olympic Games: Smith of Great Britain, and ministrators, who were able When she arrived at the Marijke van der Pas & Bep to fully capture the exciting '…it is around 1914 that I Vriend of The Netherlands. atmosphere that accompa- museum, Sabine Auken's first comment was how set my symbolic flag, the nied the event. five continents united by Right atmosphere much she was looking for- There is no doubt that the ward to taking part in the the olympism and the Although bridge players all setting of the Olympic Mu- opening ceremony, where colours of all the over the world followed the seum, dedicated to sporting the competitors parade be- nations…' tournament on the Internet, it achievements of the past, hind their national flag. Mark Horton

C MUSEUM • LAUSANNE - SWITZERLAND • 20-24 SEPTEMBER 1999 On 1st January 2000, Why did the Welsh Why did the Scottish the Bridge Unions of Bridge Union (WBU) PATRICK JOURDAIN Bridge Union (SBU) England, Scotland and want to become a wish to become a Wales became National National Federation? National Federation? ‘Devolution’ offered a great- Federations within the The Welsh Bridge Union er chance for Scottish play- European Bridge League. wished to take greater con- ers to take part in the major Before that the three had trol over its own affairs. It championships in Europe been represented by one has contributed significant and the World, and we National Federation, the sums to the BBL over the believe the experience will years and rarely had any benefit many more than just (BBL). players in the British teams. the top players. Our mem- Now we hope to widen the The BBL was formed in bers have great pride in their appeal of competing in 1939 with four members national team. (the Bridge Unions of Europe to players who have England, Scotland, not previously had the Tell us a bit about the Wales and Northern opportunity or even consid- SBU. ered the possibility. Ireland) to run Britain’s It was the first of the Home Home International Tell us about the Unions to be created, way series for the Camrose WBU. back in 1933. For the first Trophy, select British sixty years only the clubs teams, and run British Wales is split geographically INTERVIEWS affiliated, with their elected events such as the Gold by mountains. In 1934 a delegates in seven districts THE PRESIDENTS OF choosing our Council. Then, Cup knockout teams-of- Welsh Bridge Association EBL’s NEWEST AND a couple of years ago, we four. The BBL had no was formed, based on South Wales whilst the players in individual members. VETERAN MEMBERS! the North of Wales affiliated Over the years the to the nearest England Camrose series was regional body. It was not What about you personally? extended to include until 1948 that the two parts events for women (the of Wales came together to I work for a local charity helping WALES Lady Milne), Under-25s form the Welsh Bridge young mothers in one of the most and Under-20s, and was Union. In 1996 the capital of deprived districts of Wales, and I recently widened to Wales, Cardiff, was the run a local include the Republic of venue for the European community Ireland. The BBL also Youth Bridge Champion- clothing developed numerous ships. shop where people can fund-raising activities to We have 2,000 members cover the cost of British buy very and fifty affiliated bridge inexpensive teams. clubs. Though we are the clothes. I The BBL ceased trading smallest of the three new have two on 31st December 1999 Federations, we are still larg- grown-up and a new, smaller body er than most of the member children called ‘Bridge Great countries of the EBL. We and four Britain’ was created to currently have no office or grand-chil- full-time staff though we run the Home dren. I have Diana PANNIERS realise those days are fast Internationals, the Gold been Secre- approaching. The country is tary of Cup and the British administered in four regions, Swansea Simultaneous Pairs. The which elect delegates to the Bridge Club other fund-raising events controlling Council. The since 1978. of the BBL were President is elected for a As a player devolved to England, one-year term, and so the I have rep- Scotland and Wales to other officers, such as resented help them with their new Secretary and Treasurer, Wales in the obligations of fielding have to bear the brunt of Lady Milne teams in European and carrying the administration Home Inter- World events. from one year to the next. nationals. introduced individual mem- team. And our bridge-play- bership. Scotland's popula- ing exports to the USA have SCOTLAND tion is six million, and we been very successful, par- have over 8,000 members, a ticularly world champion number we are seeking to , and increase substantially from more recently, Barnet those who play bridge but Shenkin. are not members. We have no office or full-time staff What about you Peter but, with the arrival of devo- personally? lution, are now looking into I have been happily married that possibility. to Helena for 36 years. We COHEN have three grown-up chil- Our best known member is dren and six grand-children, Albert Benjamin, inventor of three of whom live in the Benjamin who, at 90, USA. I am a chartered ac- is still playing bridge. Liz countant working in the fam- McGowan is a member of ily business which supplies the British Ladies team, the displays and shop fittings, current European champi- mainly within Scotland. ons who compete in the Helena and I are also bridge in Bermuda in partners: we have represent- January. She has declared ed the Western District, and, her intention of seeking a at the Maccabi Games, been place in a Scottish Open in the British squad.

Why did the English predecessor, Peter Stocken, EBU to become a National thousand affiliated clubs do Bridge Union (EBU) concluded a five-year term. Federation, and behind the not currently join the EBU. wish to become a He was the principal force ‘Bridge For All’ project. Half We are also seeking a National Federation? behind the application by the the membership of our one change in British Law to Even on its own the English allow bridge to be defined as Bridge Union, with 28,000 a Sport, with significant ben- members, is the fourth efits to the game. The Gov- largest Federation in the ernment has indicated its EBL. We felt our size and ENGLAND willingness to support the stage of development justi- change, but has yet to pro- fied direct representation vide the Parliamentary time. within Europe rather than through the extra level of the We run all the national BBL. We have a major proj- events you might expect, ect ‘Bridge for All’ to develop field teams in friendly inter- the game at grass-roots David nationals, and supplied the level, now we can put bulk of the finance and play- greater effort into our nation- HARRIS ers to the British teams. al teams, and we also intend Please tell us to play a fuller role within the something about structure of the EBL. yourself. Tell us a bit about the I was born in Wales but have EBU. lived all my life in England. I It was formed in 1936. It has have been playing bridge for a Headquarters with 22 20 years. I recently qualified staff. It has 39 County as a barrister dealing with Associations who send del- both criminal and civil egates to its Council. The cases. I am married to Council elects the Board of Diana, and have two grown- the EBU Ltd. and I recently up children from my previ- became Chairman after my ous marriage. SUCCESS IN MALTA MARKS NEW ERA FOR SENIOR BRIDGE

The 3rd GENERALI European Senior FRANCE 1 was the convincing winner in Teams Championship held in Malta, Malta. The victorious French Senior 17-25 June 1999, was a great success team captained by Jean-Marc Roudi- with 29 teams from 18 countries par- nesco will now represent Europe in the ticipating. Two years ago, in first World Seniors Exhibition Tourn- Montecatini, Italy, 16 teams had taken ament to be held in Bermuda in January Nissan Rand SENIORS part. 2000. Seniors Cmtee Chairman

SENIORS CONGRESS Malta hosted a very enthu- siastic Senior Delegates Congress on 20 June, which attracted more than fifty participants, including EBL President Gianarrigo Rona and WBF President José Damiani. The Congress elected the fol- lowing members to the SENIORS SENIORS TOURNAMENTS EBL Seniors Committee: WITH EBL PARTNERSHIP N.Rand (Chairman) There will be an exhibition World Seniors The EBL Seniors Chairman has reached J.C.Beneix Tournament in Bermuda, 8-14 January 2000, agreements with several European NCBOs to A.M.Torlontano with a field of six teams. organize jointly International Seniors tourna- J.Oliveira The tournament will consist of 10 qualifying ments. Up to now, three agreements have been R.Kielbasinski rounds of 20 boards each, played twice a day made: in the same venue and with the same boards as A.Fleischman (Vice Chairman) a. with the Israel Bridge Federation to run the in the Open and Ladies Series. The final will be A.Orlow first Tel Aviv International Seniors Festival in Tel P.Jourdain of 60 boards in 3 sessions between the first and second placed for Gold and Silver. There Aviv, 14-17 February 2000 A.Gudge (Secretary) will also be a 40-board playoff for the Bronze b. with the Polish Bridge Union to run the 3rd International Seniors Congress in Zakopane, Associate Members medal. The participating Senior Teams will be: 26-30 April 2000 G.Mattsson • FRANCE (European Champions) c. with the to run the J.Novak • ACBL team (San Antonio winners, July ’99) 2nd Brighton International Seniors Tournament P.Hackett in Brighton, 14-17 August 2000 M.Schonberg • World Champions (Lille, September ’98) The basic agreements are based on the com- W.Hendrix • AUSTRALIA (Zone 7 team) mitment of the NCBOs concerned to invite an M.Dix • 2 teams form Zone 6 (China and another team) EBL Seniors team and the EBL President as guests to the tournament, as well as an International Tournament Director. The EBL will • TRANSNATIONAL TEAMS • SENIOR TEAMS IN provide European Seniors Master Points and IN BERMUDA 2000 BRIDGE OLYMPIAD guarantees that another European NCBO will provide an International Tournament Director. The event will be played 16-21 The WBF has decided to hold an January. Senior teams are encour- Olympiad for Senior teams during Additional such agreements will be negotiat- aged to participate in the one field the forthcoming Olympiad, in ed with Cyprus, Malta and France for later in (Swiss Teams) event. The highest Maastricht. NCBOs will be invited to 2000 or 2001. Other NCBOs interested in such ranking Senior Team in this event register one team. No transnational joint ventures are invited to discuss the matter will be awarded recognition prizes. teams will be accepted. There may with the EBL Seniors Chairman. Entry fee for all teams in the World be some limitations on the number To qualify as an EBL Seniors event, the tour- Transnational Open Teams is US$ of participants, as the upper limit is nament must be at least three days long with at 600. 50 teams. least one invited EBL Senior Team offered hos- pitality (full-board accommodation). PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC • 23-27 MAY 2000 EUROPEAN LADIES TO ENJOY EXCLUSIVE BRIDGE FESTIVAL

here will be five unforgettable days of excellent bridge including individ-

LADIES ual and pairs tournaments. In addition, there will be many wonderful Anna Maria Torlontano opportunities for sightseeing and shopping in one of the most beautiful Ladies Committee Chairman T and interesting cities in Europe, Prague, the ‘town of a thousand towers’. This event is dedicated to Programme If anyone not taking up one PROGRAMME European Lady Bridge of the package deals out- players of any level and There will be no smoking lined above, wishes to at- Tuesday 23 May rank, but above all to the in the bridge playing tend the following events Arrival in Prague medium-ranked players rooms at any time; bidding detailed, an extra charge 16.00 Registration who have never played a boxes will be used and a will be made as follows: 19.15 Welcome Drink tournament outside their fully qualified European • Victory Banquet SF 50 Dinner own country, giving them Tournament Director will • Prague Sightseeing SF 25 Friendly Pairs the opportunity of joyously be in charge. The Hospital- • Full day excursion to the Wednesday 24 May mixing with other players ity Desk will be pleased to Castles and Prague by Night take care of single players, 9.00 Sighseeing tour from all over Europe. SF 160 to ensure that they will of Prague Venue always have a partner for Entries 3.00 Individual the tournaments. If you tournament The venue is the 4-star wish to come accompa- You will need to book in Thursday 25 May Hotel Olympik, where the nied by your husband, good time for this to make sure you are not disap- 9.30 Visit to Konopiste total cost is just SF 750 family or friends there is pointed. Entries should be (Swiss francs) per person no problem. The same Hunting Castle made before 20 April 12.30 Lunch in Prague sharing a twin room, rates apply and they will be including half board for 2000, (including the hotel 14.00 Visit to Prague’s able to follow the social five nights. There is a sin- deposit), although late Castle & St.Vitus programme with you - but gle room supplement of entries will be accepted Cathedral they cannot take part in subject to availability. SF 155. 19.00 Dinner the bridge tournaments. The entry fee for the An alternative package is 20.15 Prague by night Prizes will be in kind, and Championship will be also offered at the Hotel Friday 26 May awards will be to at least SF 280 per pair. Olympik Garni, a 3-star third place in the individual Morning free hotel just two minutes 14.00 Pairs tournament and pairs tournaments and Information walk from the venue, Session 1 to 6th place in the Ladies where the five nights will For more details of this 20.00 Pairs tournament Bridge Festival combined cost just SF 680 per per- classification. In addition event, please contact your Session 2 Federation, or: son sharing a double we are very proud to an- Saturday 27 May room, with a single room nounce that European Anna Gudge Morning free supplement of SF 125. Master Points will be The Old Railway Station 14.00 Pairs tournament Long Melford, Sudbury Included in this package awarded for the leading Session 3 five pairs in the Pairs Suffolk C010 9HN you will also have the wel- Great Britain 20.00 Prize Giving come drink, a sightseeing Championship. Ceremony & tour of Prague, a day trip :44-1787-881 920 Victory Banquet The entry fees for the  to the castles and Prague bridge competitions are: : 44-1787-881 339 Sunday 28 May by night, the Victory ban- :[email protected] • Individual SF 25 Departure quet on the Saturday and a brochure will be sent after breakfast evening, service and • Pairs SF 60 to you if you provide your taxes. • Both events SF 80 name and your address. JANUARY APRIL

7-21 34th Bermuda Bowl 18-23 15th Grand Prix of & 12th Venice Cup / Bermuda Portugal / Cascais, Portugal

16-21 2nd Transnational 20-23 2nd Niklas Champion- Open Teams / Bermuda ship / Stockholm, Sweden 20-23 1st Hegyvidék Piatnik International Bridge Festival / 20-24 30th Easter Bridge Budapest, Hungary Festival / Jyvaskyla, Finland Mark your diary...

COMPETITION TEAM OLYMPIAD 11th WORLD BRIDGE 11th Maastricht, The Netherlands CALENDAR 26 August - 9 September 2000 • This is an abridged list of the tour- FEBRUARY 21-24 EBU Easter Festival of naments scheduled to take place in Bridge / London, Great Britain Europe in the first half of 2000. More 10-20 34th Israel Internation- 17-20 Vienna Bridge Con- information is contained in the com- 29-30 B.U.L. 2000 / Liège, al Bridge Festival / Tel Aviv, prehensive publication 2000 EBL gress / Vienna, Austria Belgium Israel Competition Calendar. 18-21 Icelandair Open / 17-20 East Wales National Reykjavík, Iceland MAY Congress / Cwmbran, Wales 14-17 1st International Sen- 25-27 Forbo International 13-18 Cyprus International 23-28 European Ladies iors Bridge Festival / Tel Aviv, Bridge Tournament / Scheven- Bridge Festival / Larnaca, Bridge Festival / Prague, Israel ingen, The Netherlands Cyprus Czech Republic 19-21 Carta Mundi Bridge 26-28 33rd Tallinn Interna- tional Bridge Festival / Tallinn, MARCH Festival / Ostend, Belgium Estonia 10-15 23rd Budapest Inter- 15-21 13th International 26-June 8 51st International national Bridge Festival / Buda- Bridge Tournament ‘Costa Bridge Festival Juan-les-Pins / pest, Hungary Calida’ / Murcia, Spain Juan-les-Pins, France 18-24 6th European Mixed Championships / Bellaria (Ri- JUNE mini), Italy 7-11 Velden Tournament / 24-25 14th Bridge Tourna- 19-25 13th Festival Isla de Velden, Austria ment / Schiphol, The Nether- lands Tenerife / Canary Islands, 9-12 46th European Bridge Spain Assembly / Vichy, France 18-July 1 18th Bridge Festi- val / Albena, Bulgaria 23-26 5th Kalamata Interna- 22-26 47th Lake Balaton tional Tournament / Kalamata, Bridge Festival / Lake Balaton, 30-July 12 Biarritz Bridge Greece Hungary Festival / Biarritz, France

Publicizing your events EBL Review The European Bridge League provides the best media for advertising EBL Review, published bian- All correspondence should be your tournaments. nually, is the official medium of addressed to: The EBL Competition Calendar, published annually, contains con- the European Bridge League. cise information for some 100 tournaments organized across EBL Review It is distributed free of charge Europe. 3,000 copies are distributed, free of charge, to all NCBOs P. Gerontopoulos, Editor and the Press, reaching hundreds of bridge clubs and thousands of to all National 154 Patission Street, individuals interested in international events. Organizations, Bridge Clubs, GR-112 57 Athens, EBL Review, is published twice a year and provides global informa- Tournament Directors, Journal- Greece. ists, Bridge Teachers and Offi- tion about what is happening in the world of bridge. It has a circula-  tion of 5,000 and is also distributed free of charge to all NCBOs, cials of the 43 EBL member 30-1-861 3740 administrators, teachers and the Press. countries.  [email protected]