Our latest New Zealand representative!

It is my absolute pleasure to inform you that our very own Kate Terry will be representing New Zealand in the Women’s Team at the World Bridge Games in Argentina later this year.

Kate and her teammates Mindy Wu, Linda Cartner and Glenis Palmer qualified for the final after two days of face to face trials last weekend. The final was then played online on Waitangi Day and consisted of 64 boards against the top qualifying team of Christine & Jenna Gibbons, Jan Alabaster and Jane Lennon.

After a strong start by the opposing team, Kate’s team had to work hard to get back into the match and going into the final 16 boards trailed by just 6 IMPs (96-90).

In this final stretch the teams traded 10 IMP swings and a few smaller scores but it came down two boards that swung in our hero’s favour. On one Glenda and Linda astutely managed to stay out of a spade game that wasn’t quite making: +5 IMPs. On the other Glenda and Linda found 3NT by opening an off-shape 2NT (21-count, 3316 shape) while at the other table North opened 1C and was left there by their partner who was sitting with 4 points: +7 IMPs.

Final score 117 - 110.1, clinched right at the end of an exhilarating final! So congratulations to Kate who was absolutely thrilled when I spoke to her after the win. Well deserved and I’m sure not the last time we’ll see you representing New Zealand!

But wait there’s more…. The victorious team were given the opportunity to put forward a suggestion for the third pair that will complete the team that goes to Argentina. They suggested their final opponents Christine and Jenna Gibbons which the NZBridge selectors were happy to accept. Christine and Jenna are secondary members of our club so a huge congratulations to them also from all of us at the Tauranga Bridge Club!

Thanks,
Mike Newton - President
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