All India Open National Ranking Point Bridge Tournament Kicks Off in Nagpur
The prestigious All India Open National Ranking Point Bridge Tournament launched its four-day run at the Institution of Engineers Hall in Nagpur on Thursday, presenting a day of fluctuating fortunes for the ten participating teams from the host city. Organized by the Vidarbha Bridge Association (VBA) under the auspices of the Bridge Federation of India (BFI), this high-stakes event boasts a substantial prize pool of Rs 10,35,000, drawing intense competition from across the nation.
Competitive Format and Opening Day Highlights
A total of thirty-seven teams are competing for the coveted Manohar Tarkunde Cup in a team-of-four Swiss format. The tournament structure involves eight preliminary rounds to determine the top sixteen teams that will advance to the pre-quarterfinals. On the opening day, participants engaged in six intense rounds, each consisting of ten boards, setting the stage for a thrilling contest of skill and strategy.
Emerging as the early frontrunner, Team Tornatae seized the lead with an impressive score of 88.89 points. The team, composed of Prasad Keni, Srinivasan, Animesh Raj, Sapan Desai, and Uttam Gupta, demonstrated exceptional prowess on the tables. Close behind, the Hinganghat-based father-son duo of Basant Kumar Mohota and Anurag, fresh from their victory at the 67th Ashok Ruia Gold Trophy during the Winter National Bridge Championship in Kolkata, secured a strong fourth position. Representing Team Mohota, they collaborated with their Kolkata partners Biswajit Poddar and Shambhu Nath Ghosh to accumulate 80.33 points by the day's end.
Nagpur Teams' Performance and Standings
Among the local contingents, Team Vidarbha and Team Spartans managed to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the top sixteen. The Vidarbha outfit, featuring VJ Puranik, RP Deshpande, MM Luley, MN Dutta, and RV Saboo, claimed sixth place with 78.47 points. Similarly, the Spartans team, comprising Jai Kanoria, D Mandpe, A Das, V Patki, A Nandanwar, and S Khanzode, found themselves in fourteenth position with 65.75 points, maintaining their contention for the pre-quarterfinals.
However, the tournament favorites, Nagpur VI, experienced a disappointing start. With a modest score of 52.03 points, they languished in twenty-fifth place. With only two rounds remaining in the preliminary stage, their path to breaking into the top sixteen appears increasingly challenging, casting a shadow over their championship aspirations.
Inauguration and Leadership Presence
The event was formally inaugurated by former Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Sancheti, who underscored the significance of bridge as a mind sport. The inauguration ceremony saw a distinguished gathering on the dais, including Rajshree Tarkunde, BFI president Prasad Keni, BFI secretary Debrata Roy, VBA president S Hastak, VBA secretary Anilkumar Mohota, Rajeev Khandelwal, and Anil Goenka, chairman of the organizing committee. Their presence highlighted the national importance of this ranking tournament.
Top Sixteen Teams After Six Rounds
The standings after the initial six rounds are as follows, showcasing the competitive landscape:
- Tornatae (88.89 points)
- SD Associates (81.37 points)
- EISK (81.05 points)
- Mohota (80.33 points)
- Rampage (79.20 points)
- Vidarbha (78.47 points)
- Kanha (74.05 points)
- Bangur Cement (73.87 points)
- Dhampur Sugar Mill (73.68 points)
- EA Bridge (73.12 points)
- Team Burzen (67.22 points)
- Sarlafibers (67.08 points)
- Manthani (66.69 points)
- Spartans (65.75 points)
- Amanora (64.90 points)
- Deepadhaar (64.29 points)
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether the leading teams can maintain their momentum and if the struggling favorites can stage a remarkable comeback in the remaining rounds.
