In a sad evolution of events, all of yesterday's matches at Salsomaggiore had to be canceled as many players reported Covid positive.
As 5 teams withdrew from the NBO championships, the WBF closed the event stating that it will determine winners in the best manner possible given the circumstances.
After all the contestants test and return a negative report (hopefully), the championships are expected to resume with 4 sessions each day (to make up for the 3 sessions yesterday). However, it remains to be seen if that is the best way forward. The USA 1 women's team lost a pair to Covid and with the replacement pair not being in the same league as the original, conceded 102 imps on the first day in the Venice Cup. Once one of your team members tests positive, not only is your team weakened physically, there is also the psychological impact of the same.
To quote a member of the US ladies team "I promise you more then half have Covid which is manifesting itself as colds or symptom free. We are down 102 imps. Hard to come back. We will try but I feel this was not a level playing field. I am quite sad."
Our hearts go out to the players who have tested positive. We are fortunate insofar as all of the Indian contingent has been declared Covid negative.
We trust the WBF will make the best decision possible for the players and for World Bridge
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