Date:16/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/16/stories/2008111657751700.htm

Sport - Bridge

India Blues in lead

R. Jayaram

Kanpur: The Ashok Ruia-sponsored India Blues team is in front at the end of six rounds, with two more rounds to go to decide the quarterfinalists, in the Ashok Ruia Trophy, the blue riband of Indian bridge.

Including the carry over of 7 VPs, they have a tally of 120 VPs. Closely following them with a tally of 118 VPs, is the Khandelwal team. The latter team has won five of the six matches so far, its only loss was to Indian Blues 12-18.

Indian Railways and Tolani Shipping, consistent performers in the tournament so far, are very much there with a tally of 115 VPs. Formidables are in fifth position with a score of 111 VPs.

Dhampur Sugar Mills, having begun well, seem to have lost steam and is not within the first ten. It needs a second run to qualify for the quarterfinals.

The IMP pairs event for the MNC and Kamalakar Trophies is in progress and is being played over five sessions.

The top ten in the mini Swiss league of the Ruia Trophy (two rounds to go) are: India Blues (120), Khandelwal (118), Indian Railways and Tolani Shipping (115 each), Formidables (111), Poddar (108), C.V. Rao (103), Faria and Mangal Moorthy (101 each) and Bimal Sicka (100).