Bridge news

At the European Bridge Championships held in Funchal, Madeira, writes Julian Pottage, Bridge Correspondent, the British pair to qualify for the final of the Women’s Pairs were Ceri Pierce and Sophie Cunningham from Wales; they finished eighth. In the Seniors Pairs, the British pair to qualify for the final were Mike Ash and Robert Ferrari from Scotland; they finished ninth.

In the Open Teams, after 10 matches, Ireland is in a World Championship qualifying position, lying sixth. After a strong start, England have slipped to ninth place after 10 matches; at the same stage, Wales are 21st and Scotland 30th.

The action in the Teams Championship can be seen on Bridge Base Online, and on most days, the matches start at 10 am, 1.45 pm and 4.30 pm.