Bridge | 24 January 2019

Zia Mahmood is as famous today as when I first met him 20 years ago. Not only is he still one of the world’s top players (a rarity for someone in their early seventies), but he brings as much dazzle and flair to the game as he always did. Quite simply, he’s one of a kind. Or so I’ve always thought — which makes it rather disconcerting to hear reports of his teenage son Zain emerging as a talented player. Zain attends Eton College and recently won the Stockdale Cup (its pairs competition) for the second time. No doubt his proud father is plotting some fearful double act, although I’m sure many players will feel that one Mahmood at the table is quite enough. Pity the couple Zia encountered recently at London’s Year End pairs, who were well and truly bamboozled on this deal:
 
Zia’s partner opened a pre-emptive 4♥, and when East overcalled 4♠, Zia knew the opposition had slam on.