KARACHI, Nov 2: Pakistan bowed out of the World Bridge Olympiad in Istanbul (Turkey) after it lost the quarterfinal against Bermuda Bowl runners-up Italy, according to a message by Pakistan Bridge Federation (PBF) on Tuesday.
Earlier Pakistan caused an upset when it defeated England in the pre-quarter knockout phase..
Then there was another sensation when Pakistan entered the second segment with a 20 Imps lead against Italy.
However, the rejoicing short lived as Italy overcame the deficit and took over the leadership in next four segments, 45-6, 36-33, 52-34 and 51-23 Imps.
One more round to go, Italy is enjoying 209-125, a convenient lead. Eighty-four Imps in just 16 boards, could be regarded as an impossible task for any team.
Pakistan team comprised Jan-e-Alam Fazli, Rehman Allana, Khurshid Hadi, Kemal Shoaib, Rashid Jafer and Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan.
By any standard the performance of Pakistan team was creditable. Their entry into the quarterfinal stage was itself a great achievement.
Four more segments have been decided in the quarterfinal phase of the Olympiad. Pakistan +20 against Italy, Japan +13 against China, Russia +26 against Hungary and Netherlands +21 against Ireland closed the day to contest next five segments.
Netherlands is also enjoying a comfortable 227-142 lead against Ireland, so is Russia 183-127 against Hungary.
China is coming up for the first time as the strongest opponents for European and American teams. USA is already out. Italy could be the main contestants. However, the way China has shown remarkable game in the first three phases and is performing against Japan, 10-23, 52-2, 34-15, 13-13, 49-4, a lead of total 101 Imps, there we may see a new contender of the title.
Pressure is already built on European teams how to stop China, but it seems an uphill task. The match between Italy and China could not be ruled out, which should be a very close one.
The Transnational Bridge Championship started on Tuesday. It is a part of the Olympiad. It is a friendly event, bridge players of different countries and culture form teams with the aim of fostering peace and friendship among nations.
Two teams from Pakistan have confirmed their participation; there can be few more at the last moment.-APP
