The opening ceremony featured performances of Chinese Culture; Chinese opera followed by a lion dance. Speeches by government officials, both national and local, and officials of the APBF. Oaths were made by a representative of the players and a representative of the directors, promising fair play and good ethical behaviour. The tournament was then declared open.

I am playing in the Seniors Teams with George Kozakos. Our teammates are Phil Gue playing with Terry Brown and David Beauchamp playing with Maurits Van der Vlugt.

Each day comprises 3 matches of 14 boards scored by IMPs converted to VPs with 20 VPs available in each match. We will play each of the other 7 teams three times in a triple round robin. There is no final so every match is important.

We do not know much about some of the other teams so the first round robin will be a learning experience!

Match 1 vs Indonesia (Phil & Terry, David & Maurits)

A tough match first up against one of the strongest bridge countries in the region resulted in a 7 IMP win (26-19) for 12.16 VPs.

Phil and Terry lost their way on board 11 after a bidding misunderstanding and ended up in 7CX for -800 and a 12 IMP loss.

Match 2 vs Chinese Taipei (Phil & Terry, Hugh & George)

Another potentially strong team. Some tough boards that our opponents managed better than us saw a loss by 16 IMPs (25-41) for 5.58 VPs.

George and I didn’t bid a slam in a highly competitive auction on board 20 that resulted in a 13 IMP swing when they guessed better at the other table. On board 29 we again stopped out of slam while they bid it but this time a good lead from Phil resulted in a ruff for one down and a gain of 13 IMPs. The swings and roundabouts of high level bridge!

Match 3 vs Japan (Hugh & George, David and Maurits)

A somewhat unknown proposition saw a tight match and a win by 16 IMPs (22-6) for 14.42 VPs. A good way to finish the first day.

The scores are very close. We are 5th but only about 5 VPs from first (the top 7 teams are all within 8 VPs).

All the scores and hands are available here.