KARACHI: Reigning champions Pakistan women’s team got off to a sensational start in the 18th BFAME Bridge Championship when they defeated arch-rival India to take early lead in Amman (Jordan) on Thursday night.

Trained and coached by veteran bridge stalwart Pervez Mirza, Pakis­tan women team won all their opening three league matches of the day one including resounding victory over India.

National women’s team comprising Qudsia Dossa, Roshan Bokhari, Zeenat Azwer, Rubina Agha, Rubina Hai and Fatima Reza produced a sterling show. Facing India in the opening match, Pakistan team had an easy runover of 16.09 Victory Points (VPs) to beat India which boosted their morale.

Later, Pakistan team also defeated hosts Jordan by 12.00 VPs points and Palestine by 15.92 VPs in the last round.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Seniors lost their first match to India by a narrow margin but then recovered then outpaced Sri Lanka 13.52 in the second round and finally overcame hosts Jordan 15.29.

Pakistan Seniors squad comprised Azher Hamid, Masood Mazhar, Mirza Shauq Husain, Iftikhar Baqai and Zakir Mahmood.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2015

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