Asha Sharma and Puja Batra from New Delhi clinched the top spot in the ladies’ pair competition at the National Ranking Bridge Championship on Wednesday. Entering the final phase as overnight leaders, Asha and Puja showed remarkable skill and consistency, outperforming the 18 other finalists to secure their victory.
The Delhi-based pair displayed a strong performance throughout the competition, finding their rhythm midway and finishing with 56 IMPs (International Match Points). This impressive score allowed them to claim the prestigious ladies’ pair crown. Asha and Puja’s flawless gameplay and seamless coordination were evident as they moved through each round, maintaining their lead and establishing themselves as the team to beat.
Mumbai’s Usha Kabra and Kolkata’s Bharati Dey took the runner-up position with 50 IMPs, showcasing their experience and expertise. The duo closely followed Asha and Puja, putting up a competitive fight to secure the second spot. Meanwhile, another Delhi pair, Devi Bhatnagar and Alka Jain, claimed the third position with 37 IMPs. All three pairs displayed impressive tactical skills, precision, and strategic understanding, making for a thrilling competition.
The Winning Pair: Asha Sharma and Puja Batra
Asha Sharma and Puja Batra have consistently demonstrated their prowess in bridge tournaments, earning them respect and admiration within the bridge community. Their victory in the National Ranking Bridge Championship adds to their list of achievements, showcasing their deep understanding of the game and remarkable synergy as partners. Known for their tactical approach and quick decision-making, Asha and Puja’s playstyle is characterized by calculated risks and a strategic focus on maximizing scoring opportunities.
Their victory also highlights the growing talent in New Delhi’s bridge circuit, where players like Asha and Puja are setting new standards. Their ability to perform under pressure and adapt to dynamic situations enabled them to outmaneuver competitors and stay ahead through the final rounds.
Close Contenders: Usha Kabra and Bharati Dey
Usha Kabra from Mumbai and Bharati Dey from Kolkata finished as strong contenders in the runner-up position with 50 IMPs. Usha and Bharati, both experienced players, displayed a skillful combination of defensive and offensive tactics, keeping the competition tight and challenging the lead position. Their close score of 50 IMPs demonstrated their competitive edge and ability to work seamlessly together, reflecting their extensive experience in the sport.
While they missed the top spot by a narrow margin, Usha and Bharati’s performance cemented their place as top players in the national bridge scene. Their runner-up finish brought them a prize of Rs 30,000, a well-deserved reward for their consistent effort and commitment.
Third Place: Devi Bhatnagar and Alka Jain
The Delhi duo of Devi Bhatnagar and Alka Jain secured third place with 37 IMPs. Known for their strategic play, Devi and Alka showcased resilience and sharp skills throughout the tournament, particularly in the qualifying rounds. Their ability to read opponents’ strategies and respond effectively was key to their success. Although they finished behind the leading pairs, their performance demonstrated significant promise and highlighted their potential to contend at the highest levels in future tournaments.
Devi and Alka’s third-place finish earned them Rs 20,000, acknowledging their efforts and competitive spirit. Their achievement also reflects the strength of Delhi’s bridge players, with two teams from the region securing top spots in the competition.
Prize Distribution and Recognition
The National Ranking Bridge Championship awarded cash prizes to the top eight pairs, recognizing the skill and dedication of all participants. Asha Sharma and Puja Batra received Rs 40,000 for their first-place finish, while Usha Kabra and Bharati Dey took home Rs 30,000 as runners-up. The third-placed pair, Devi Bhatnagar and Alka Jain, received Rs 20,000. These prizes celebrate not only the winners’ achievements but also their contributions to the growth of bridge as a sport in India.
Final Standings (Top 8)
Here’s a look at the final standings of the top eight pairs in the ladies’ competition:
- Asha Sharma and Puja Batra – 56 IMPs
- Usha Kabra and Bharati Dey – 50 IMPs
- Devi Bhatnagar and Alka Jain – 37 IMPs
- Subhasree Basu and Meenal Thakur
- Aditi Jhaveri and Marianne Karmarkar
- Bindiya Kohli and Priya Balasubramanian
- Anjali Karthikeyan and Ritu Bangaria
- Veena Bobb and Ramani Menon
A Rising Interest in Bridge
The ladies’ pair competition at the National Ranking Bridge Championship drew significant interest, showcasing the growing popularity of bridge in India. With participants from cities across the country, the event highlighted the geographic diversity of players and the inclusivity of bridge as a competitive sport. The tournament provided a platform for talented women players to compete, gain recognition, and demonstrate their skills on a national stage.
The competitive spirit displayed by these players reflects the ongoing rise of bridge as a serious sport in India. Events like the National Ranking Bridge Championship not only bring attention to the game but also encourage new players to engage with the sport, promoting a culture of strategic and analytical thinking.
Upcoming Events: Mixed Teams and Mixed Pairs
The National Ranking Bridge Championship will continue with the mixed teams and mixed pairs events later this week. These upcoming events promise more exciting matchups, as players from various categories come together to compete in mixed teams, showcasing their versatility and adaptability. The mixed format introduces new dynamics, as players must quickly establish synergy with new partners and adjust their strategies accordingly.
The mixed teams and mixed pairs events are expected to draw additional players and spectators, further increasing the visibility of bridge within India’s sports community. These events will also serve as an opportunity for players to test their skills and strategies in different team structures, offering a fresh challenge for all participants.
The Growth of Bridge in India
Bridge has steadily gained recognition as a sport that fosters mental acuity, strategic planning, and teamwork. While it has a rich history globally, bridge is witnessing a resurgence in India, where more players are taking up the game competitively. Tournaments like the National Ranking Bridge Championship play an essential role in fostering this growth, providing a platform for players to showcase their talent and compete at high levels.
The increasing participation and sponsorship in bridge competitions reflect the game’s expanding appeal among both players and audiences. With continued support from organizations, bridge could establish itself as a popular competitive sport in India, attracting new players from diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
Asha Sharma and Puja Batra’s victory at the National Ranking Bridge Championship exemplifies the skill, strategy, and determination required to succeed in bridge. Their journey through the tournament, along with the impressive performances of Usha Kabra and Bharati Dey, highlights the high level of talent among India’s women bridge players. As the sport continues to grow, events like these contribute to building a strong bridge community and inspire more players to pursue excellence in this intellectually challenging game.
The ladies’ pair competition provided thrilling moments and underscored the rising prominence of bridge as a sport in India. With the upcoming mixed teams and mixed pairs events, the National Ranking Bridge Championship promises even more excitement and showcases bridge as a sport that rewards skill, concentration, and strategy. The future of bridge in India looks bright, as new talents emerge and established players continue to push the boundaries of this classic card game.
