Grandslam #9 Nov/Dec 2001

Message from the Convenor – Chris Wong

Hi all Bridge Section members,
Our first Inter-club Double Teams Tournament was held in SRC on 22nd September. It turned out to be a double success for SRC as both SRC teams played remarkably well and took first place, beating SGCC, CBC and PA by a wide margin (see 2. below for details).
I believe the participants enjoyed themselves and they were generally full of praise for the good planning and execution of the tournament. It started punctually and went on smoothly as planned without a hitch.
I would like to thank all the Committee and Section members who have, in one way or another, contributed to the success of our first Inter-Club Teams tournament. The presence of the Bridge Convenors from these clubs at the tournament is indeed a testimony to their continuing support.
Our annual Pairs Event is on 1st Dec (Saturday) at the 1883 lounge. Buffet lunch will be served for all Section members and guests who have supported SRC during the year (see 4. below for details).
The Moledina Challenge Trophy will be again up for grabs and presented to the winner of the tournament. This year the competition will be much stronger and larger. While our members have improved tremendously over the past year, a very much stronger participation is expected from our non-member friends and supporters. While it will be a tough challenge for SRC to retain the trophy this year, it is by no means out of reach.

Results of Inter-Club Double Teams Tournament
On September 22, SRC hosted our first Double Teams Seeded Inter-Club Tournament. A seeding system and a unique round-robin format was specially developed for the event; Changi Beach, Serangoon Gardens and Peoples' Assoc. participated in this event and submitted 2 teams of 4 players each.
After round 1, SRC trailed SGCC 34 Victory Points to 35 while PA and CBC had 26 and 25 respectively. SRC surged into the lead with 79VP after the 2nd round as both our "A" and "B" teams scored convincing victories. CBC, SGCC and PA trailed with 59, 57 and 44 respectively.
Bursting with confidence, both SRC teams continued to dominate the final round and ended the tournament with an impressive 124 Victory Points. SGCC managed to pip CBC into 3rd with 84 to 80 points with PA not too far behind at 71.
While our usual congratulations goes to our "A" team of Zain, Shamim, Dorothy and Richard for winning all their rounds, an extra special congratulations must go to our "B" team of Chris, Carl, Adeline and Helen. They rose to the occasion by winning 2 of the 3 rounds! Well done indeed!

CBC Open Pairs on Sep 8, 2001
26 pairs participated in this event which attracted many of the strongest pairs in Singapore. SRC was represented by 3 pairs and did manage a decent 7th and 8th through Adeline/Helen and Zain/Shamim respectively. The winners were LL Wong and CC Ting from SCBA. Our congratulations to CBC for a well-organized event.
It is worth noting that Mrs Wong from SGCC, who is approaching her 9th decade, managed 9th place. I met her the next day (9/9), and along with at least 9 others, congratulated her for her truly outstanding performance. Needless to say, she was on cloud 9 for at least 9 days. Well done dear Mrs. Wong!

Upcoming 2nd Annual SRC Open Pairs Tournament
Well, it is that time of the year again! The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 1st at 1pm in the 1883 Lounge. Lunch will be served and followed by a bridge crossword puzzle. The tournament will start promptly at 2pm. There is no charge for SRC Section Members and a nominal fee of $5 for invitees.
There will be fantastic crystal prizes for both the Open and SRC sections. Don’t miss out on THE TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR!

5. Bye Bye 2001 – Hello 2002 Bridge
SRC and Changi Beach Club are planning to welcome the New Year with an informal no-charge friendly tournament at CBC on 31st Dec (of course). You can bring some food along for all to share. Please contact Shamim or Eng Choo to confirm your attendance.

Bridge Sarcasm

Too bad partner. It was an unlucky grand slam you bid. The ace of trumps was on the wrong side.

7. Bridge Olympics 2002
For those who are unfamiliar with international bridge may be surprised to know that the Olympic Council has recognized Bridge as an Olympic Sport for a long time. Bridge will be a “demonstration sport” at the Winter Olympics at Salt Lake City in 2002. Watch for it!

8. SRC Bridge Results – 3rd Sep to 29th Oct 2001
DATE Pairs FIRST SECOND THIRD
3 Sep 8 Richard/Ai Leng Eng Choo/Veronica Lena/Lucy
10 Sep 8 Eng Choo/Veronica Ginny/Soh Hong David/Peter
17 Sep 10 Shamim/Zain David/Peter Isabel/Lee Chin
24 Sep 8 Isabel/Lee Chin Ron/Thong Shamim/Zain
1 Oct 8 Shamim/Zain David/Ron Dorothy/Eng Choo
8 Oct 10 Anna/Peter A. Michael/Ron Helen/Jansie
15 Oct 12 David/Zain Richard/Connie Mr/Mrs Chew
22 Oct 10 Connie/Ron Shamim/Zain Anna/Peter A.
29 Oct 8 Anna/Peter A. Shamim/Zain Connie/Stella

9. Bridge Humour – Bruised Shin

Giving a man his physical, the doctor noticed several dark,
ugly bruises on his shins, so he asked, "Do you play hockey,
soccer, or some physical sport?"

"No," he answered. "I play bridge with my wife."


10. Bridge Personalities – Mae West

It may not be generally known that Mae West – the sex symbol of the forties -- was a keen bridge player.

Perhaps that inspired her to quip the following when someone, noticing her jewelry, said to her

“Goodness, What wonderful Diamonds you have”

“My Dear, Goodness had nothing to do with it”



11. Bridge Quote – Malcolm Forbes

Below is a quotation from the former US presidential candidate and owner of the highly respected Forbes Magazine -- Malcolm Forbes.

" Playing bridge reflects intelligence. It's one of the really great pleasures of life. I think anybody who's missing bridge is missing so much in life. Don't make the mistake of missing out on the fun of bridge."

Quite an endorsement from a super busy multi-millionaire who sits on the board of so many companies as well as the bridge table!

12. Bridge Excuses

a. Sorry partner. I would have led my singleton but it was so small I could not see it.

b. Now what are you complaining about partner. I led my singleton as you wanted. How was I to know that it does not apply to the trump suit?