The 2001 World Bridge Championships comprises the Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup and Transnational Open Teams competitions and takes place in Paris, France. Play starts on Monday 22 October, and the Finals end on Saturday 3 November

The Bermuda Bowl is the symbol of world supremacy at bridge. It is awarded to the winner of the open teams competition between the representatives of the WBF geographical zones. Since its inauguration in 1950, the competition has been played 34 times. The United States of America were victorious 15 times, while their European rival, Italy, prevailed 13 times. The other titles were won by France (twice), Great Britain, Brazil, Iceland and The Netherlands.

The Venice Cup is awarded to the winner of the zonal competition for women players. It was established in 1974 and since then only four countries have won it. The United States of America leads the race with 8 titles, while Europe follows with four successes achieved by Great Britain (twice), Germany and The Netherlands.

The World Transnational Open Teams Championship came into being in 1997 in Hammamet, Tunisia. It is contested by teams nominated by the NBOs without nationality or other restrictions. The first winners were the team led by Leandro Burgay of Italy, while in the second edition the title went to the USA team captained by Rose Meltzer. For detailed information on past events, see the World Championships section or the sites of the particular events.

2001 WORLD BRIDGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
PARIS, FRANCE

ZONE 1: Europe

WOMEN:

Germany: Daniela von Arnim has come back into the team replacing Anne Gladiator as Sabine Auken's partner.

Australia: Paul Marston will replace Denis Howard as NPC.

France: Has been added to the field, creating a Bye.

SENIOR TEAMS:

Italy will be playing in this event. The team will be Giovanni Maci (Captain) Marco Ricciarelli - Franco Baroni Giuseppe Gigli - Antonio Latessa I think that France is playing too. About 3 teams withdrew from the Seniors, including Australia.

45th Generali European Bridge Championships, June 16-30

ZONE 2: North America

OPEN: USA I: Don Krauss replaces Sydney Lazard as NPC.

WOMEN: USA II - Charlie Weed is replacing Nell Cahn as NPC

Four different championships, click here

ZONE 3: South America

WOMEN: Brazil: Lucia Doria will now be playing with Marina Ameral.

South America Bridge Championships, May 5-12

ZONE 4: Asia and the Middle East

BFAME Championships, May 25-June 2

ZONE 5: Central America and the Caribbean

The CACBF Championships, May 25 - June 2

ZONE 6: Pacific Asia

OPEN: Hong Kong: Peter Yeung is replaced by Dicky Lai (player)

PABF Championships, June 7-17

ZONE 7: South Pacific

The South Pacific Championships, April 13-19

ZONE 8: Africa

The first African Zonal Championships

OFFICIAL WBF CHAMPIONSHIP SITE Click Here

PARTICIPANTS LIST Here