Asia bridges gap with Europe

The margin of defeat was nine International Match Points (IMPs), a negligible lead, which can be wiped out in one board. The final was played over 64 boards.

Indian team Raja’s suffered a similar defeat at the hands of China in the semi-finals. The margin was six IMPs. One board. To use a cricketing cliche, one good or bad board (over) can make all the difference.

The narrow finishes have emphasised one heartening fact for the hosts — little separates the top teams in Asia.

Agreed, China were not at full strength. They also had no reserves to rest sapped players, a factor which Yangbo, thought cost them the title.

Winners Indonesia are glad their preparations for the 2001 Bermuda Bowl, which they will host, are on course. They haveintensely trained six pairs since 1995, hired top foreign coaches, and the results are there to see.

Yangbo says, “From my point of view, any of the three Asian teams could have won. It depends on who performs well on that day.”

However, Yangbo feels China have a slight advantage in the long run — a pool of young players, which Indonesia lack. “Young players are keener, more clever. I am also astonished India has so many good players.”

Yangbo attributes the Chinese advantage to a government-endorsed programme which offers bridge as an optional sport in schools. “In the 70s, we had few players. This programme was started in the 80s, and since then the numbers have risen.” Students can opt for bridge, chess or any other sport from the primary level. Though the Chinese Bridge Association is not associated, bridge players offer their services by helping in the training process.

For results, China have the inaugural IOC Grand Prix title to show, which they wrested from a field including worldchampions Italy, and giants USA, France, Brazil and Poland. Yangbo is also pleased that Chinese pairs being invited to participate in prestigious international tournaments. Last week, their top pair Zhuang Zejun and Xu Hongjun finished seventh at the highly-rated Macallan Pairs in London, an event where Omar Sharif and Zia Mahmood finished third and fifth respectively.

But Yangbo feels Asians are still second best to European teams.

“We have yet to catch up with European countries like Netherlands and France, where there is an abundance of professional text books for learners, clubs and tournaments. We are approaching them but are still at a distance. We are at the second level. One win at Lausanne is not enough. We have to win consistently.”

Yangbo also feels the Lausanne experiment, a trial run to test if bridge can become an Olympic sport, will not bear fruit immediately. “Bridge is not a spectator sport, it is not entertaining. Moreover, the world bridge body has to convince the IOC that bridgeis not a game of chance, it is a game that gives equal chance to everyone to win. I don’t think it will happen soon.”