Bangladesh make impressive start
Bangladesh made a dream start to their maiden appearance in the World Bridge Championships, beating favouites Italy to secure the sixth position after the first day's play on Sunday.
Bangladesh, one of only two amateur teams out of 22 teams participating in this 43rd world event in Lyon, beat former champions Italy by 23-20 international match points (IMPs). They also outclassed Mexico, by 45-12 IMPs, while losing against Brazil in the other match of the day.
Two wins and a defeat left the Bangladesh team in sixth position with 36.68 points in the main event, called the Bermuda Bowl. Netherlands were leading the table with 49.5 points while Germany were in second position with 40.8 points.
Meanwhile, according to a message received from France, Bangladesh lost their first match of the second day against leaders Netherlands. They fought gallantly against the tournament fevourites before losing by three IPMs. Bangladesh were scheduled to play two more matches – against Chinese Taipei and Australia -- on the day.
The championships will conclude on August 26 when the final classification will be announced, with each team scheduled to play 21 matches in round-robin format first round. The top eight teams of the first round will advance to the second round.
Led by the Bangladesh Bridge Federation president Mushfiqur Rahman Mohon, the team comprises of six players -- captain Mirza Sajid Ispahani, Shah Ziaul Huq, Kamruzzaman Sohag, Rashedul Ahsan, Moshiur Rahman Nayeem and Asifur Rahman Chowdhury Razib.
They had qualified for this world event for the first time, thanks to their runners-up finish in the Qualifying Zone 4 in UAE in April this year.
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