Bridge news

The Children in Need simultaneous pairs, which started in 2002, has raised a total of just under £900,000 in total. In 2017 alone, the total raised has just exceeded £50,000. Winners for the first two of the five sessions played this year are as follows, writes Julian Pottage, Bridge Correspondent.

Friday: 1st Elaine Coldicott and Keith Webley (Allestree, Derby), 72.15%; 2nd Joanna West and Frank Wright (ABC, Walmer, Kent), 71.10%; 3rd Paul Flavell and Mick Smith (Linton, Cambridgeshire), 70.13%; 4th Richard Bird and Ian Galetti (Otford, Kent), 70.04%; and 5th Janet Jacques and Ken Smith (Minors Majors Bridge Club, England), 69.36%.

Monday: 1st Barry Tobutt and David Goodlake (Meon, Soberton, Hampshire), 72.15%; 2nd Tony Cherrett and Bill Lumb (Caterham), 71.10%; 3rd David Smith and Ronnie Hill (Horning, Norfolk), 70.13%; 4th Ivor Francis and Peta Burchill (Stratford upon Avon), 70.04%; and 5th Ros Yearley and Rob Lowe (10CC Bridge Club, London), 67.76%.