20th HCL International Bridge Championship: Schedule, Venue, Prize Money, Players in Spotlight

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HCL, a prominent global conglomerate, has unveiled that the highly anticipated 20th HCL International Bridge Championship is set to take place from October 31 to November 6 at the Leela Ambience in New Delhi.

This annual Championship ranks among the most awaited Bridge events in the country and is all set to host top teams and players from India and around the globe. The event, stretching over seven days, promises a thrilling week filled with strategic brilliance and intense competition among the participating teams.

A significant highlight of this year's championship is the remarkable 18% increase in the total prize money, now amounting to a staggering Rs 26 million (USD 310,000), making it one of the most rewarding Bridge tournaments globally.

Participating Nations and Top Bridge Players In HCL International Bridge Championship

140 teams and over 800 players hailing from 14 countries, including the USA, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Indonesia, Thailand, Kenya, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, alongside top Indian teams.

The championship is set to be conducted under the patronage of the Bridge Federation of India. Some of the top international players, such as Zia Mahmood (US), Boye Brogeland (Norway), and Mikael Rimstedt (Sweden), are anticipated to grace the event.

Kiran Nadar, an internationally acclaimed Bridge player and a gold medallist at the 5th Commonwealth Games, shared her enthusiasm for the championship. She stated, "At HCL, we believe in the philosophy of human potential multiplied, and the 20th HCL International Bridge Championship aligns with this core belief.

"This championship is not just a competition; it's a celebration of the boundless power of the human mind. It's a platform that elevates the sport, placing it on the global map. Beyond the cards and strategies, it symbolises the spirit of sportsmanship and fosters a community that cherishes the game."

Main Events at 20th HCL International Bridge Championship

The championship comprises four main events: 'Team of Four Gold,' 'Team of Four Silver,' 'Open Pairs,' and 'IMP Pairs.' To mark the significant milestone of 20 years of the HCL International Bridge Championship, amateur players will have the opportunity to compete alongside professionals in an exhilarating one-day ProAm event, uniting expertise and passion.

Tournament Format and Additional Details:

The 'Team of Four Gold' event is open to all, commencing with a Swiss League of 10 Rounds of 10 Boards each during the initial two days. The top 16 teams after the Swiss League will proceed to the knock-out stage, with knock-out matches played over four sessions of 14 Boards each. The winners will be awarded the 'Naresh Tandan Trophy.'

The 'Team of Four Silver' event is open to Indian Bridge players, with the participation of foreign teams subject to clearance by the Technical Committee. It follows a similar format to the 'Team of Four Gold' event, with the 'Mohini Tandan Trophy' awaiting the winners.

The 'Open Match Point Pairs' event begins on the third day of the tournament and spans four days, with three elimination rounds consisting of three sessions of 18 Boards each. The top pairs from the Elimination-3 round qualify for the 'MP Pairs Gold Final,' and those ranked 27-52 will play in the 'MP Pairs Silver Final.' The remaining Elimination-3 qualifiers will participate in the 'IMP Pairs Final,' with the winners receiving the 'Neena Bonarji Trophy.'

'IMP Pairs' is a two-day event, consisting of an elimination round with three sessions of 18 Boards each on the fifth day. The 'IMP Pairs Final' will be held over two sessions of 24 Boards each, with non-qualifiers eligible for 'IMP Pairs Strata II.'

On the final day of the championship, an exciting 'Pro-Am Pairs Tournament' will see amateur players partnering with professionals. The ProAm event will feature a maximum of 36 pairs.

The 2022 HCL International Bridge Championship (19th edition) offered a prize purse of INR 22 Million and drew nearly 750 players from across the world, including participants from the USA, South Africa, Poland, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India.

The tournament's previous editions have witnessed over 1000 players from 185 teams, with international teams featuring players from various countries, including the USA, Poland, Italy, Bulgaria, and more. It has cemented its reputation as a truly global Bridge event.