News Archive

Team Trials 2010

by Peggy Kaplan

If you are a bridge player, then the Big Kahuna of all events is the Bermuda Bowl. Before you attempt to win this prize, however, you must earn the right to represent your nation. In Chicago this week, 23 teams entered battle to be USA1 at the 2011 Bermuda Bowl.

Last Friday, eighteen teams began competition in a round robin. Ultimately, fourteen emerged to join two teams with byes, Meltzer and Robinson, for the round of 16. Diamond, Fleischer and Nickell entered the fray Tuesday for the round of 8.

Today the semi-finals begin. For 120 boards over two days, Nickell will face Fleischer as Diamond and Weinstein clash. “Weinstein,” by the way, is not the Howie Weinstein nor Steve Weinstein team. It is the Cinderella team of Jonathan Weinstein, Bob Etter, Alex Kolesnik, Franco Baseggio, Clem Jackson and Josh Sher. Make no mistake, however. This team has already eliminated two powerful collections: Meltzer and Welland. Both matches should provide plenty of top-level, exciting bridge. Every set of the semi-finals and final match can be viewed live at Bridge Base at www.bridgebase.com. Want to learn the tricks of the masters? Wish to see the best match wits for four grueling days? Then be sure to tune in from now through Sunday to see the last exciting days of Team Trials 2010!