2023 Gold Coast Congress

Last week a large contingent of West Australians, many of whom are members of WABC, travelled to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast to compete in the 2023 Gold Coast Congress. For many players this has become an annual, not to be missed, ritual.

The organisation of the event was superb, the venue huge, the players friendly and the hospitality of the Gold Coast superb. For many, the day started early with a walk along the beach path followed by a swim and coffee. The bridge sessions began at 10am, continuing through to 6pm in the evening. From the Convention Centre it was a short walk to bars, restaurants and cafes. There the conversation to be overheard was of slim slams, and missed opportunities more often than of victories.

A daily talk was given in the lunch break by Celebrity Speakers. Andy Hung gave a great, sell out talk on “The Art of Bidding with Bad Hands”. As usual it all made sense at the time.

There were good days and bad days at the tables. Although many of our players had some stellar performances, none managed to bring home a podium finish. Ron Cooper and Jonathan Free playing with Zoly Nagy and Russel Harms finished 8th and only just missed out on the finals. Andy Hung made the finals but lost in the next round.

Martin Doran played with Jan Kamras, the new President of the World Bridge Federation (WBF) along with Barbara Travis and Peter Reynolds. They finished 28th.

Au revoir to fellow players, new friends and the Gold Coast - we will meet again next year.

Recollections by Eve Clarkson