This has been the most shocking saga in the entire history of bridge. In the face of overwhelming evidence that members of their teams have been cheating, Israel, Monaco and Germany have all withdrawn from the world championships, which begin this week in Chennai. So far the German pair alone has admitted their guilt, but no one has any doubt about the other two. So much drama; so many careers and reputations ruined. And how innocent are the teammates who, as some suggest, must have had their suspicions but said nothing?
And what about all the players who may have been robbed of victory over the years? I’m thinking particularly of our own England open team who, in the 2014 European Championships, took bronze — behind Monaco and Israel. A year on, might belated congratulations be in order? This hand, played by Andrew Robson during the championships, shows how to win the legitimate way:
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