World Mind Games 2014: Day 1

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Vincent Demuy
Vincent Demuy

December 11th 2014mind2014

The 2014 SportAccord World Mind Games

are being held in Beijing, China from 11th – 18th December 2014

wmsg2014; Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony

Thursday saw the start of the Open and Women’s Teams competitions, with the first of two round robins in each series – three 16-board matches, being played. Friday sees the second round robins, after which the top two teams in each series will play a 48-board match for first and second, with the other two teams playing for
third and fourth.

At the end of Day One, China leads the Women’s series from England. Though below average, both USA and the Netherlands are close enough to have realistic hopes of turning things around and making it into the top two with a good performance in the second round robin.

The same cannot be said for the Chinese Open team, however. Taking only 11.28 Victory Points out of a possible 60 on Day One leaves them with a huge task to make the main final. It isn’t quite impossible but, against this standard of
opposition it is highly unlikely. Israel leads the Open from USA, with Monaco well in touch in third place.

As you would expect in a tournament of this calibre, there were some very nice pieces of play from the experts on display. There were also one or two disasters but that is par for the course in today’s high-pressure style of top-level bridge. You can read about some of the best of the action inside.

wmg res y rkg
 
wmg participants