The two Brits leading the field extended their advantage marginally this month, both returning scores of 76/80.
Brian Spears, is a retired pharmacist from West Sussex, England. “I am an avid reader of all things bridge, who loves nothing more than talking bridge with a good friend who was a leading light in computer bridge programming, especially as it’s always over a beer!” says Brian. “No notable achievements, but a desire to continue to learn burns brightly. It’s always a monthly joy to read the expert analysis of the bidding panel hands!!”
The chasing pack are still hanging on to the leaders’ coattails. In third place, Stephen scored 75/80 this month, whilst fourth-placed Alexander made the panel podium as a guest with his 74/80. Impressive consistency from all four!
The remainder of the Top 10 is made up of four Americans plus one each from Russia and India, although that chasing pack is slowly dropping further behind the four frontrunners. The leading Canadian currently sits in 11th place, with two more Americans and another two Indians right behind him. A third Brit, Patrick, climbs up to 16th with 74/80 this month, and then come the leading challengers from a host of European countries, Netherlands, France, Turkiye and Israel.
Another tough set has cut the number of players with an average score of 70/80 or higher from 20 to 17. Illustrating the true international nature of this competition, there are players from 12 different countries in the Top 25. There is still a long way to go as we head into the second half of the year.
The annual score is the total of the best 9 monthly scores over the year.
