Asian powerhouse China dominated the proceedings as they led the field in Men and Mixed categories while Indian Seniors, who went behind after round three, leapfrogged into the top position in their section at the end of the seventh round of the Bonus 5th Asia Bridge Cup at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Dona Paula on Tuesday. Indian Men “ A” and “B” team also did well to be at the 3rd and 4th place after seventh round.
Indian Senior “A” forged a good lead by scoring 86. 75 VPs to be at the top and were followed by Thailand (77.48 VPs), Australia ( 77.48 VPs) and Japan ( 76.47 VPs). India “B” are now at the 5th position with 76.02 VPs.
In the men’s group at the end of the 7th round, China buttressed their lead amassing a total of 101.14 Victory points (VPs). They beat Hong Kong China “A” 12.44 – 7.56 (VPs) in the sixth round and defeated Bangladesh 17.49 – 2.52 VPs in 7th while they earned 12 VPs as they got a bye in the fifth round.
India “A” and “B” teams kept their hopes alive for a podium finish, remaining at the 3rd and 4th position with 86.66 and 85.87 VPs respectively . Hong Kong China “A” are at the second spot in this group now with 88.39 VPs.
Indian Men “A” after losing to Australia 5.58 – 14.42 VPs, earned 12 VPs from a bye in the 6th round and then beat Hong Kong China “A” by 13.23 – 6.77 VPs . India “B” also put up a fine show in the fifth round defeating Kuwait 18.41- 1.59 Vps, beat Thailand by 12.44 – 7.56 Vps and then drubbed Chinese Taipai 18.41 – 1.59 VPs.
Like Men’s team, Chinese mixed team “A” and “B” also displayed their might at the Mixed event and are now remaining at the first and second position with 94.98 and 86.85 VPs respectively. Hong Kong China is in third position with 82.54 VPs. India “B” is at the 5th place collecting 73.24 VPs while India “A” is at 9th spot with 63.95 VPs.
In the Women’s category, holders Indonesia continued to lead the field with 84.31 VPs at the end of the sixth round and are followed by China ( 84.31 VPs) and Hong China “B” ( 67.77VPs) and India “A” ( 63 VPs). India’s “B”: team in this section is languishing at the bottom out of total ten contestants with 37.18 VPs.
The top four teams in each category will move to the semi-finals after completion of their respective rounds- 15 for men, 9 for women, 13 for mixed and 14 rounds for the seniors which would be completed on Thursday.
