The final day of the IOC Grand Prix was undoubtedly one of the most exciting in the annuals of bridge as Brazil and China produced one of the most fantastic finishes in the history of sporting contests.

Those who were here to see it will surely consider themselves to be priviledged in the years to come. In the library of the Olympic Museum there is currently an exhibition of books on the noble art of boxing. How appropriate that seemed as these great teams stood toe to toe battling out two of the most pulsating sessions of bridge that have ever been seen.

At the end they were inseparable, their IMP totals identical! They were supposed to play four more boards to resolve the tie but like the Olympic Rings they locked arms and all were declared winners. And they were not the only winners today for bridge now stands on the threshold of a great new dawn.

A Golden age where the greatest prize of all will be the ultimate sporting achievement - an Olympic Gold Medal.