VENICE CUP 2001

VENICE CUP CHAMPIONSHIP 2001, Paris France

From left: Jörge Fritsche, Daniela von Arnim, Christoph Kemmer, Pony Nehmert, Barbara Hackett, Andrea Rauscheid, Katrin Farwig, Sabine Auken

ARTICLES AND PHOTO FROM THE 13TH DAILY BULLETIN, Co-ordinator: Jean Paul Meyer - Editor: Mark Horton - Assistant Editors: Brent Manley & Brian Senior French Editor: Guy Dupont - Layout Editor: Stelios Hatzidakis - Photographer: Ron Tacchi

Photos below: e-bridge

Germany Pip France in a Classic

Those who were privileged to be in the VuGraph yesterday witnessed one of the greatest days in the history of Bridge.

In a final of epic proportions, the pride of Germany, Sabine Auken, Daniela von Arnim, Andrea Rauscheid, Pony Nehmert, Katrin Farwig and Barbara Hackett defeated la belle France, represented by Catherine D'Ovidio, Véronique Bessis, Sylvie Willard, Bénédicte Cronier, Catherine Fishpool and Babette Hugon.

After the fourth session yesterday morning France appeared to be in disarray, having seen almost all their overnight lead vanish in the face of a tremendous German rally. However, they redoubled their efforts and in the next stanza they appeared to put the match beyond Germany's reach. However, in a final set of boards that might have been scripted by Steven Spielberg, a series of brilliant plays saw Germany gradually reduce the deficit. On the penultimate deal Daniela von Arnim, who had already made one outstanding play to keep the match alive, brought the audience to its feet with a second brilliancy to take the trophy back to Germany for a second time.

It was a tribute to the stamina of the teams that they both played four-handed throughout the final.

Despite their disappointment, the French supporters watching VuGraph and their players afterwards applauded and congratulated their opponents in what must be the greatest match in the history of this event. It was certainly the most sporting.

Making it Count The dramatic conclusion to the Venice Cup Final is brought to you by Linda Lee of Masterpoint Press.

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