31 October 2004	Sunday	16 Ramazan 1425

KARACHI, Oct 30: Pakistan bridge team, comprising Jane Alam Fazli, A. Rehman Allana, Rashid Jafer, Kemal Shoaib, Khurshid Hadi And Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan did what was desired as after a prolonged battle with much superior sides in the qualifying rounds of the 12th World Bridge Olympiads, they succeeded in qualifying for second phase.

Pakistan succeeded in retaining their wins to a minimum and built up a strong standing on the Points Tablesagainst weaker teams.

When play resumed for the final show-down, Pakistan started on fifth position and wanted to improve one step, since only four teams from each group were to qualify for the second phase.

They had something to cheer since in the last two matches they had to face Portugal and Bermuda. Spain and Brazil were their real challenge, but Jordan and Indonesia have beaten Brazil in the last two rounds that made all the difference.

Pakistan as expected won 19-11 against Portugal and Bermuda with the same margin. France and Japan continued their winning ways so did Sweden, escaping a scar in the last round against Portugal and Spain who could not extract maximum points against South Africa. They won 22-8 V.P.

Pakistan 295 qualified for the second phase on third spot, behind France 322, Japan 305 and ahead of Sweden 294 V.P. in Group D.

Other qualifiers in Group A are: Italy 289, Argentina 277, the Netherlands 273, Russia 271. Group B- China 300, Turkey 272, USA (Zia) 272, Lebnon 265 and Group C: England 314, Hungary 296, Ireland 285 and Poland 280 V.P.

For the seniors, it is not yet all over. There are five more rounds to determine eight qualifiers from their group. In the 21st round, Pakistan seniors made an all out effort for a big 25-5 win, they lost to Israel 9-21, had a close win over Spain 16-14 and Denmark 19-11.

Other teams in contention are: the Netherlands 453, USA 452, Frane 417, Germany 411, Israel 410, Denmark 404, China 398, Pakistan 397, Japan 393, Poland and Turkey 383 V.P.-PPI