The top four all score well this month but Brian, with 78/80 and a second consecutive month on the hour roll, still manages to eke out an extra couple of points to pad his advantage.
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 chasers are still hanging in there: Alexander with 76/80, David and Stephen both with 75/80 this month. Kevin’s 73/80 consolidates his position as the leading American, in 5th place, although Tood (77/80) and Paul B (76/80) are now hot on his tail, and there are six Americans in Top 11. Right behind the leaders, Gurudev, in 6th place, is the leading Indian. Yury is the top-ranked Russian in 14th place and, in 17th place, Michael retains his standing as the leading Canadian.
The Top 25 now has seven Americans, three Indians and three Brits, plus two Canadians and two Russians. Eight other countries have representatives in the Top 25, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Netherlands, Austria, France, Turkey and Portugal.
Despite the tough set this month, the number of players with an average score of 70/80 or higher (560+/640) dropped by only one, from 18 to 17.
The annual score is the total of the best 9 monthly scores over the year.
