September 8th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Bobby’s team lost after the 5th segment (actually withdrew) as it was not in the cards. I am sooooooooooooooooooo anxious to get back to Vegas, I can’t tell you. However, there has never been a better venue for the bridge itself. It was positively outstanding and the graciousness of the hosts and hostesses was above and beyond.
The hotel was lovely, the employees were accommodating, the playing space was second to none, it was spacious, there were several dining spots within the hotel, there were cocktail parties up to the yee-yang, etc. My only complaint (besides losing) was I was getting claustrophobia as the site was totally isolated and heaven forbid — no place to shop except a high-priced Amsterdam based jewelry boutique (not my speed) and an 8 x 12 shop for sundry articles. Guess I am just spoiled, Paul and John (and spouses) took off immediately last night; Arnie is planning to leave; Freddie and Rose are on our plane tonight and Dan Morse, a WBF Rep and his wife Joan are planning to stay to the bitter end.
Today begins the Transnational Teams and most of those who missed qualifying entered and hundreds of others flew in especially to play in this prestigious event so the bridge is still in full swing.
At least I got to see South America for the first and last time and have no regrets, but I am looking forward to returning home.
September 7th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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After 48 of the 96, here are the standings (including the carryovers):
BERMUDA BOWL: ITALY V. RUSSIA (110.50-101); NORWAY V. CHINA ( 55.50-125); BULGARIA V. GERMANY (130-97); USA1 V. NETHERLANDS (101-98) .
VENICE CUP: CHINA V. SWEDEN (112-81); FRANCE V. ITALY (115.50-94); USA 1 V. SPAIN (123-115); USA 2 V. GERMANY (107-127).
D’ORSI SENIORS BOWL: ENGLAND V. EGYPT (124-109); BELGIUM V. INDONESIA (89.50-91); POLAND V. SWEDEN (161-79.33) ; USA V. USA 2 (108-128.67).
September 6th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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The finalists and playoffs for today (with Bobby’s candid commentary)
BERMUDA BOWL: ITALY V. RUSSIA; NORWAY V. CHINA; BULGARIA V. GERMANY; USA1 V. NETHERLANDS . ACCORDING TO BOBBY: These are the toughest eight teams to ever appear in a BB final and for his money all four matches represent what is best in bridge — with no sign of a weak player anywhere.
VENICE CUP: CHINA V. SWEDEN; FRANCE V. ITALY; USA 1 V. SPAIN; USA 2 V. GERMANY. Also all good match-ups and likely are very close (the best eight teams in the field).
D’ORSI SENIORS BOWL: ENGLAND V. EGYPT; BELGIUM V. INDONESIA; POLAND V. SWEDEN; USA 1 V. USA 2. Not for sure the best eight teams but certainly among the ten or twelve best ones and all very competitive. To me this proves again just how accurate long round robin play actually delivers, reinforcing the old saying …. water seeks it own level.
This proves for the umpteenth time just how ridiculous early round straight K/O play really is!
September 5th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Here we are — down to the wire — with the last three matches to be played to determine the qualifying top eight in each field here in Sao Paulo. The standings, as they appear now:
BERMUDA BOWL: NORWAY, ITALY, BULGARIA, RUSSIA, USA 2, NETHERLANDS, CHINA LONG ZHU OPEN, ARGENTINA
VENICE CUP: FRANCE, USA 1, CHINA ONG ZHU WOMEN, US2, GERMANY,SPAIN, DENMARK, INDONESIA
D’ORSI SENIORS: ENGLAND, BELGIUM, POLAND, EGYPT/USA 2, USA 1, SWEDEN, INDONESIA
In the Seniors — Bobby’s team (USA 1) is in 6th place (309) (4 behind USA 2 tied with EGYPT); We hold a small lead over 7th (Sweden with 300) and 8th place Indonesia (286.50). It looks reasonably comfortable, but in this game, you can’t count your chickens as two of our last three matches are tough — Sweden and England. The third is Barbados, in 19th place.
September 5th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Friday morning fliers were passed out officially announcing the site of the 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP which will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania next October. I know from having lived in the City of Brotherly Love and being active on the bridge scene for forty years, the hometown staff will be up for the occasion. It is twenty-minutes from the Philadelphia Airport, two blocks from City Hall and close to many of the other historic sites for which Philly is known. The restaurants are plentiful and affordable and dozens within walking distance. It is an honor for Philadelphia to have been chosen and a mutual treat for all those who attend.
Attendees should try to arrive a day or two early to take in all the famous historic shrines that were involved in shaping our country’s destiny. Most of the sites are within less than a ten mile radius and there are innumerable tourist companies with a variety of itineraries. If you want to see where American history was made, avail yourself of this opportunity.
September 4th, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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The magic EIGHTH PLACE (where you need to finish to qualify for the next grueling stage) kept changing hands and after fifteen matches, here are the standings:
BERMUDA BOWL: NORWAY, ITALY, BULGARIA, RUSSIA, USA2, NETHERLANDS, ARGENTINA, CHINA LONG ZHU OPEN
VENICE CUP: CHINA LONG ZHU WOMEN, FRANCE, USA 1, USA 2, DENMARK, SPAIN, GERMANY, ITALY
D’ORSI SENIORS: ENGLAND, BELGIUM, USA 2, SWEDEN, EGYPT, POLAND, USA 1, INDONESIA
Of course my main interest is USA 1 SENIORS (MORSE/WOLFF; FISHER/HAMILTON; SWANSON/SOLODAR). We have been hovering around the number eight mark for the last couple of days, this afternoon dropped to 9th but ended the day with a great flourish against Indonesia and entrenched ourselves in 7th for the time being — but its far from over and the verdicts won’t be in until Saturday evening. We have some very tough matches remaining — especially England and Italy.
An interesting aside — as I was rushing to the game seconds from starting time, I was stopped by a good looking young man named “Michael.” I was a bit bewildered until he added “Yuen.” Then, of course, I recognized my fellow bridgeblogging.com buddy whom I had only read but never met. I hope we meet again this week and have a chance to compare notes. You never know whom you are going to bump into at a world championship in some far-off foreign land!
We are all looking forward go greeting Linda and Ray Lee who arrive this weekend. They are the owners of Master Point Press and promoters of the bridgeblogging.com site — both very dedicated to the welfare of the game.
September 3rd, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Going into Day Five of the WBF Championships (nine more matches which will decide the top eight qualifiers in each category) — here is how it stands:
BERMUDA BOWL: ITALY, NORWAY, BULGARIA, USA 2, RUSSIA, CHINA LONG ZHU OPEN/NETHERLANDS, ARGENTINA
VENICE CUP: CHINA LONG ZHU WOMAN, USA 1, FRANCE, USA 2, ITALY, DENMARK/SPAIN, GERMANY
D’ORSI SENIORS: ENGLAND, BELGIUM, USA 2, SWEDEN, POLAND, INDONESIA, EGYPT, USA 1
The pace is hectic, the competition is fierce and by yesterday the non-stop merry-go-round got to me (the tension of the bridge, rushing to eat between session breaks and the evening dining and entertainment). I was so exhausted from the late dinners, cocktail parties and early breakfasts, that I zonked out and left after the first three boards in Match 10 and caught some much needed shuteye. I was prepared to kibitz Match 11 but they keep the rooms so cold, it was like the North Pole and I headed back to our haunt and dove under the covers. Since Bobby was off for the final match of the day, we relaxed together and had a delightful buffet dinner. However, most of the delicious entrees ended in ‘I’ or ‘a’ (lasagna, spaghetti,rigatoni, manicotti, etc.). Though the food (especially the huge variety of fish) was delectable, it is hardly recommendable for someone who is supposed to be watching their diet, cholesterol, etc.). There is a scale in each room, but because it is not decipherable in English pounds, I decided not to overwork my brain translating it for no great reward. By the way, the employees of the hotel are warm, polite, friendly, and most gracious. You can ascertain that from their mannerisms not their language, as 90% of them are not versed in the ways of English. By the way, the directors have been delightful, polite and very warm — and of course, of necessity, must be fairly well versed in English. The tournament itself has been run first-class. There are tall containers of sealed individual cups of ice water (on the house) and well printed signs everywhere — designating where the sites are (Open, Closed, Vugraph, and each of the many WBF offices). I have never seen a more thought-out venue .. making life as easy as possible for the players and guests. The only things they don’t do is help you with the bidding, play and defense.
September 2nd, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Tuesday evening a dinner was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Ernesto D’Orsi for those very much involved in the WBF. Cocktails were served at the pool, followed by a sumptuous dinner in a magnificent glass-enclosed setting. Seating assignments were in order and Bobby, being a past President of the ACBL as well as the WBF, and I were seated at a very prestigious table — with The Godfather of the WBF, James Ortiz Patino, the hostess, Cecilia D’Orsi, Jose Damiani (WBF President) who needs no introduction, Mr. and Mrs. Gianarrigo Rona, the President Elect, and three other obviously important local people I had never seen before. Jimmy was revered by both Ernesto and Jose to the glowing smiles and applause of an appreciative audience. Jimmy, who celebrated his 81st birthday and is now walking with a cane, delivered a teary goodbye speech suggesting it may be his last as visibly he is going downhill (though seated at the table, you would never surmise it).
Norman and I got to know Jimmy through our close friendship with Edgar Kaplan who worked hand in hand for the good of world bridge for a few decades. When I went over to kiss him goodbye, he tried to rise (which obviously was an effort). But despite my forceful discouragement, he overruled me, stood at humped over attention and kissed me on both cheeks. His tireless determination was so evident last night even in such a weakened state. Obviously, his mind was sharp as ever and his speech impeccable. The Tuesday evening before there was a viewing of his famous ‘vintage card collection” beginning in the 15th century. It was absolutely boggling. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served and his Curator explained much of the background and interest in this one-of-a-kind exhibition. Everyone was quite taken to have been included in this showing.
Despite Jimmy being the star of the show, I could not help notice the energy and pride of Ernesto and Jose who absolutely ooze with the love and respect for both bridge and the WBF and what they have done both separately and together to honor our wonderful pastime. Their dedication is obvious with every breath they take and it is because of people like this great duo and other devoted people close to them, that bridge has escalated to this position universally. They have set an incomparable example for bridge players the world over.
September 2nd, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Here are the top eight contenders in each category before we go into Match 10 (out of 21):
BERMUDA BOWL: NORWAY, BULGARIA, ITALY, NETHERLANDS, ARGENTINA/CHINA LONG ZHU OPEN; USA 2; RUSSIA
VENICE CUP: CHINA LONG ZHU WOMEN, USA 1, ITALY, USA 2, EGYPT, FRANCE, DENMARK, INDONESIA
D’ORSI SENIOR CUP ENGLAND, EGYPT, BELGIUM, USA 2, POLAND/USA 1, PAKISATAN, INDONESIA
No one has pulled away, although England in the Seniors has a 20 point lead on Egypt. The others are reasonably close and lots of teams are in contention and we have not even reached the half way mark.
Even as a kibizer, it is grueling so you can imagine the exhaustive schedule of the players. I feel like I am on a roller coaster. Getting too old for this stuff but it is so engrained in me — it’s hard to stop. Till Day 5!
September 1st, 2009 ~ Judy Kay-Wolff ~
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Vacations are costly these days — but I think Bobby and I hit the jackpot. Since mostly Portuguese is spoken and read in Sao Paulo and very few (perhaps one) TV station carries world news in English (BBC), we decided to order copies of USA Today for the remainder of the two weeks we’ll be here. I got a call from the lovely receptionist who arranged it, advising it will be 20.00 each paid in their exchange. That equates to over eleven U S. dollars a day. I really feel violated as I just saw an ad on the Internet: “12 weeks for $30.00. That’s just 50 cents per day!” I think we’ve ‘been had’ But, when in Brazil, do as the Sao Pauloans.
Tomorrow I will be announcing the first eight teams in the standings in the three categories (after 9 rounds of play). Stay tuned.
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