With four months of the annual competition completed, it is very tight at the top. Despite scoring 74/80 as a guest panelist this month, competition leader Venkatesh Ramaratnam has slipped down into a tie for second place. Joining Venkaresh on 298 is England’s Brian Spears. Right on their tail is Dave Williams from Wales, whose 77/80 this month leaves him just one point behind in fourth place, on 297.
Pride of place after four months goes to Dror Alexrod from Israel. His 78/80 this month lifts him three points clear on 301/320.
Dror is a 42-year-old lawyer from Jerusalem. He is married with a son and two daughters. He says, “I have been very fortunate to have my father, Asher, as a bridge partner, and I am thankful for his continued guidance and support”. Although he has not yet led the field as yet this year, Dror was the solo winner of the August 2024 competition, and a co-winner in September.
Just behind the leaders, Stephen’s 78/80 lifts him up into a tie with Paul for fifth place. If there was any doubt about the standard bidding by the leaders in this competition, note that there were two scores of 69/80 and one of 67, but all other players currently in the Top 25 scored 70/80 or higher on this month’s set.
17 players are now averaging at least 70/80 or higher. You currently need a score of 276 to make it onto the first page of the leader-board, which means an average of 69/80.
The annual score is the total of the best 9 monthly scores over the year.
