May 16, 2007	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 28, 1428

KARACHI, May 15: Pakistan jumped on to the second spot by defeating Bangladesh 23-7 in the men’s team event of the 14th Asia & Middle East bridge championship at a local hotel on Tuesday.

Defending champions India maintained their top position in the men’s and women’s team events.

After completion of the first round robin league contest, India had 99 victory points (VPs), Pakistan were placed second with 90 VPs and Jordan were at third position with 74 points.

India, spearheaded by captain Ashok Goel, inflicted 24-5 defeat on Sri Lanka. They were without some of their top stars and had services of Aloke Sadhu, Debasish Roy, Kamal Mukherjee, Kamal Roy and Pritish Kushari.

Pakistan’s women team continued their dismal run when they were demolished 3-25 by India.

Indians were at first place with 97 VPs while Jordan were second with 97 points. Pakistan claimed third position with 52 VPs.

Indian women team comprised Hema Deora, Leena Mayadas, Promilla Shivdadani, Rita Choki, Sheila Thadani and Usha Kabra.

Pakistan seniors’ team having Anwar Kamal, Ghulam Mohammad, Masood Azhar, M. A. Ansari, Salim Zaki and Sattar Cochinwala captured top position with 93 victory points.

They defeated Jordan 25-0 and Sri Lanka 16-14.

Indians were at second place with 90 points.

Two top teams from each men, women and senior competitions will qualify for the finals which will be played on May 19.—APP