We have a total of 105 tables competing, 420 players and this is a record field for the last decade. We have competitors from India, New Zealand and of course from all corners of Australia.
The event has been running for over 20 years and was moved to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre some 15 years ago to cope with growth.
Moved to the Bayview Eden, the event found a much more comfortable home with bar and restaurant on site and accommodation and parking. We have had a steady growth in a room that copes with 100 tables and this year, for the first time, we have run out of space.
We have a fun filled event lined up with new prizes and categories. Here are some of the highlights:
• Free coaching for Restricted players by some of the bridge world’s leading teachers
• Informal prizes based on session datum leaders in addition the trophy winners
• Interactive competitions for chocolate baskets and leading Yarra Valley wines
• A Youth Bridge fund raiser – a games night here in the venue on Saturday night
• A daily newsletter written up by a proper editor (Stephen Lester) and not just by me without sleep
Which one’s the youth player?
Phil’s overcall was perhaps a little optimistic, but Matt was there to help him avoid too much trouble. NS got to the right spot, but on
10 lead, declarer went astray. He wonA, cashed two rounds of top spades, finding out about the 4-1 split. He continued with three rounds of diamonds, ruffing the third round as East discarded a diamond. He then exited a heart, and Matt cashed his heart tricks before underleading §A. Not surprisingly, declarer played §J, won by Phil’s queen. A club to Matt and a fourth diamond led to two down. Not that I was in the right contract, but the line would appear to be to score one heart, two diamonds, one club and thus six trump tricks are required on a crossruff line.
The next example:
1. At least 4-4, spades and clubs
This time Phil’s opening was on a robust and shapely (sic) six-count.
Obviously the opponents were prepared to deal with the opposition’s weak openings, reaching 3NT in a flash.
The declarer play, however, didn’t match the exuberance of the bidding. Phil led a spade, and if declarer had played on hearts first after winning the third round of spades (it had gone a low spade to the Jack, queen, ducked at trick one) he could have made 3NT for the loss of two spades, a heart and a diamond.
Too hard, and declarer drifted two down after misguessing hearts. The hand is interesting in that either a diamond lead is required, or a diamond switch must come after two rounds of spades (held up) to defeat 3NT.
Full marks to Markey for his youthful exuberance!
Winners:
| Victor Champion Cup | |
| 1st | MARKEY: Philip Markey – Andrew Spooner – Matt Mullamphy – Ron Klinger |
| 2nd | CROWE-MAI: Lucy Henbest, Laura Ginnan, Ann & Colin Baker, Keiran Crowe-Mai and Damon! |
| 3rd | HARRISON: Matt Smith, Jamie Thompson, Shane Harrison and Stephen Williams! |
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