Germany to Withdraw from Bermuda Bowl by Bridge WinnersBridge Winners has received the following statement from Alex Smirnov, a member of the German Open Team:
Josef Piekarek and I are aware of the “whispers” circulating about our ethical conduct, and we are sorry to say there is some truth to them. We regret that in the past as a partnership we committed some ethical violations. This morning we informed our Federation and our teammates, and we have all agreed that the German team should withdraw from the Bermuda Bowl.
Josef and I have voluntarily agreed never again to play competitive bridge together and to take two years off from playing competitive bridge. We hope that after such a time has elapsed, that we might be welcomed back into the competitive bridge playing community.