Panaji: China stamped its authority in Asian bridge reaching the finals in three events, while India Seniors ‘B’ lived up to the expectation as the team sealed a place in the title clash on the penultimate day of the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship at Dona Paula on Friday.Besides reaching the final in men, women and mixed events, China has already assured itself of gold and silver in the Mixed section as the final is now an all-China affair. The four other countries who have made it to the final include Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia and India.India, assured of either a gold or silver in Seniors, has the chance to secure bronze if they win the play off for third position against Bangladesh in men and Japan in women’s category.Trailing Japan by 22 IMPs heading into the final session, India Seniors delivered a superb fightback, winning the last segment 56–40 to overturn the deficit and clinch the closest match of the tournament. “It was an absolute nail-biter till the very last board,” said coach and captain Anal Shah. “We came back in the final session and finally won by just one IMP, which makes the victory all the more satisfying.”India’s Senior B playing squad comprises Anil Padhye, Raju Tolani, Rajesh Dalal, Jitu Solani, Hemant Jalan, and Sukamal Das, while awaiting them in the championship match is a formidable Australian side featuring Ian Thomson, Terry Brown, Peter Gill, David Hudson, Michael Courtney, and Paul Lavings.In two other semifinals involving the hosts, India were defeated by Hong Kong in the men’s group, while Indonesia proved strong in the women’s category. The finals and playoffs for bronze are scheduled for Saturday.Meanwhile, alongside the team championships, the HCL Friendship Matchpoint Pairs competitions moved into their final stage. Eight Indian pairs qualified for Saturday’s medal rounds across divisions. The finals will be contested over three sessions in an all play all format using matchpoint scoring.
