KARACH: Pakistan teams returned home on Saturday after putting up a disappointing show in the 19th edition of Bridge Federation of Asia and Middle East (BFAME) held in Dubai as they failed to defend their women and seniors titles.

India made the clean-sweep by winning the open, women’s and seniors titles to confirm their entry in Bermuda Bowl — World Bridge Championship Women’s Venice Cup and d’Orsi Cup for the Seniors.

These three big events are schedule to be held in the French city of Lyon from August 12 to 26.

The only encouragement and boost for Pakistan team was their qualification for the d’Orsi Trophy after holders Pakistan lost to India in final by 73-64 International Match Points (IMPs).

Former Pakistan President Gen (Rtd) Pervez Musharraf, a keen follower and player of the game, attended the opening ceremony of the championship.

Pakistan Seniors boasting Ghalib Bandesha, Asad Maqbool, Izzat Khalil, Safdar Khan, Masood Mazhar and Mirza Shouq Hussain in its line-up lost to arch-rival India after having won the opening segment 17-13. India won the second segment 60-46 to emerge winners.

Pakistan women’s bridge team comprising former President of Pakistan Bridge Federation Rehana Saigol along with Samina Raza, Shamim Saeed, Shahnaz Peerzada, Qudsia Dossa, Roshan Ara Bukhari made to the last four grade after great struggle.

However in the pre-final, the Jordanian team routed them 261-111 in a one-sided knock-out tie. “Our open and women outfits failed to make their mark,” Azwar-ul-Haque, Secretary General BFAME said.

Pakistan have won the BFAME Open title seven times and India surpassed their record by taking the crown for the eighth time.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2017