BRIDGE with Bob Jones

Fulvio Fantoni, of Italy, was the number one ranked player in the world not long ago. Today, he is under a cloud of suspicion for possible collusion with his partner at the bridge table. In fact, he is currently barred from play in North American events, although he has been reinstated in Europe, amid considerable controversy. He was South, in today's deal, showing off his skill as a declarer.

Fantoni won the opening club lead with dummy's ace, led a diamond to his ace, and ruffed a diamond. He then led a spade toward his hand and inserted his eight when East played low, West winning with the jack. Fantoni won the club continuation in dummy, crossed to his hand with the king of hearts, and ruffed another diamond. The fall of the king was a welcome sight.

Fantoni cashed dummy's ace of hearts, ruffed a club to his hand, and drew the last trump with the king of hearts.

He cashed the established queen of diamonds and led the queen of spades. He played low from dummy when West didn't cover, not that that would have helped the defense, and won the trick when East played the 10. Six hearts, bid and made, after a beautifully played hand!