Table of Contents Page Will Zia Break his Duck? 1 President's Opening Speech 2 Welcome address of ACBL President 3 Mixed Pairs Qualifying Session One 4 Bridge the Silver Way 5 Rose-y outlook 6

Bridge is almost unique amongst the major sporting contests in that players of all abilities meet in competition. Imagine being able to play a round alongside Tiger Woods, or stand on the opposite side of the net to Serena Williams. No chance!

However, the World Mixed Pairs, the traditional hors d'oevre at these quadrennial Championships always attracts a substantial field that is packed with talent, giving everyone taking part a chance to rub shoulders with many legendary figures. Those of you with time on your hands might try and calculate the number of World Champions taking part. They include four time World Champion Judi Radin whose partnership with Zia is setting a hot pace as the mercurial magician goes in search of his first World title. They are being chased by South Africa's Valerie Bloom and Neville Eber who are followed by two American pairs, Christal Henner and Roy Welland and Renee Mancuso and Geoff Hampson. The first European name on the leader board is that of Italy's Fulvio Fantoni who is partnered by Donna Compton of the USA.

The leading Canadian pair is Linda Wynston and Steve Gittins who are ninth.