Teams from 11 nations invited for Pakistan Day bridge

KARACHI: World’s top 11 nations have been invited to the second edition of Pakistan Day International Bridge championship, which will be held here at Southend Club Hall from March 21 to 23.
Pakistan Bridge Federation (PBF) announced on Friday that the event would have $20,000 in prize money.
“This premier international event will provide our players a great opportunity to raise their game by playing against the top players of the world,” PBF director Tariq Rasheed said.
He said PBF, Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (SMAP) and
Karachi Bridge Association (KBA) are jointly hosting this event.
The winning team will get $7000 and the runners-up $5000. The rest of the money will be distributed among teams getting lower positions.
The event will provide Pakistan players experience ahead of major international events, including World Bridge championship.
The teams invited are Australia, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Last year eight foreign teams featured in the event and we are expecting the same number of entries this time,” Tariq said.
“This will be great opportunity for our players to rub shoulders with top-notch bridge players,” he added.
Around 20 Pakistan teams, including national champions Puri Estate, Aces, Allana, Data Steel, Bilal, Hadi and Hold’em will be in the fray.
Tariq said all the foreign participating teams would be provided free board and lodging.
Pakistan’s bridge legend Zia Mahmood has been helping PBF in contacting foreign teams.
After the pairs event on March 21, the two-day team event will start on March 22.