I had the privilege of playing in partnership with KK for a few years.
His understanding of the technical aspects of the game, the nuances in bidding, the intense competitive streak, are all well known to those who had watched him play.
What made KK unique in Indian bridge was his ability to make his partner feel completely at ease.
For instance, when we started playing, he immediately sent me his very elaborate system notes. Never did he ask me to keep them ‘confidential’. Not once did he get upset with me or remind me, even gently.
The last tournament we played together was the HCL in 2010. He was in tremendous pain, unable to sit for more than 10 minutes. Nevertheless, he saw the team through the semi finals after which he had to return to Chennai. Without KK’s presence, the team lost to the Australians in the finals. A few weeks later, we got the sad news of his passing away.
To be sure, a lot of time has passed since that unfortunate day, but memories of KK are evergreen in my heart.
I feel privileged to host this KK Memorial event in his memory. Please do celebrate this great player by participating in large numbers.
Arun Jain