The EBU Autumn Overseas Congress, sponsored by First for Bridge, is now underway in Crete. Tournament Director Chris Benneworth talks through the first day and details from the Pre-Congress Pairs:
Well, we have all (just about) arrived now in a wide selection of flights from the UK. For those arriving late at night, the hotel provided a welcome and much appreciated cold buffet.
It’s great to meet old friends again and welcome those who haven’t played in Overseas Congresses before.
The Kernos Beach Hotel is set close to the sea in a relatively quiet corner of the resort of Malia. The old town is a gentle half hour walk away.
Some of those who arrived early took the opportunity to visit Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaus and the mountainous centre of the island. Others, perhaps less adventurous, rode the Happy Train along the coast to the neighbouring town of Hersonissou.
The bridge room comfortably accommodates twenty tables and thirty-six pairs arrived for the gentle session of Pre-Congress Pairs, won by Nichola Cockerill-Smith and Stuart Davies.
The above photo shows the playing room.
And this is board 9:
| 8 | ||
| 3 | HCP | 10 |
| 19 |
| N | S | H | D | C | |
| N | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| S | 4 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| E | - | - | - | - | - |
| W | - | - | - | - | - |
As you can see, the fortunate position of the QH and the diamond split means every NS made 13 tricks, but only three pairs managed to bid to 6H.
Chris Benneworth