World’s top bridge player banned for... doping

IT is not the first ‘sport’ that comes to mind when considering the possible benefits of banned substances.

But the world’s number one bridge player has been suspended after failing a drugs test.

Geir Helgemo, who is Norwegian but represents Monaco in bridge events, tested positive for synthetic testosterone and female fertility drug clomifene at a World Bridge Series event in Orlando in September last year.

Officials admitted the drugs were ‘not performance enhancing’. But as the World Bridge Federation (WBF) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it has to abide by World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

After accepting he had breached anti-doping rules, Helgemo was suspended by the WBF until November 20 this year.

He also had all titles, medals and points from the 2018 World Bridge Series revoked.

Although bridge is more commonly seen as a gentle card game played by suburban devotees, it was officially recognised as a ‘mind sport’ by the IOC in 1995.

Kari-Anne Opsal, president of the Norwegian Bridge Federation, said yesterday: ‘Helgemo has played for the Norwegian national team and is our biggest star. Many within the bridge community know Geir and respect him.

‘It is his responsibility not to take substances that are on the doping list, even though they are not performance enhancing in bridge.’

She added: ‘I feel for Geir in this situation and hope he will come back stronger.’