China's impressive run thus far in the World Bridge Championship

Jing Liu

Sports in China is serious business. Sportspersons are groomed with a clear goal of excelling. The way China prepared for the Olympics it hosted in 2008 is now history. Name an Olympic sport and it is more likely that China would have a champion there. Now bridge is a sport that has not been listed among the popular ones in China but that has not belittled its importance in the mainland. Several thousands -young and old- play and Beijing alone not only has many clubs, but there are regular bridge tournament in this capital city.

More than that what is significant is that bridge has good sponsorship support and government backing. The only requirement of the players is to play and excel. In the current world championship here, China has been a revelation. Not only did it impress against some of the formidable teams but duly qualified for the knock-out phase in style and from the goings so far this country could be the Championship’s biggest surprise packet.

Jing Liu is a member of the China side in the Bermuda Bowl competition. Young, just 33 years, Liu has been playing since his junior school days and the determined look on his face tells the story of oozing confidence. “We came here with one week’s practice,” he said of the preparation and most of the players are regulars of noted clubs that play in the Chinese Premier Bridge League. The thing about the league in China is that it is a professional set up with good money content. “The winners get about $ 4,800. Not only that the sponsors assure regular salary for the players,” Liu said. From the way the Chinese player described the bridge scene in his country, money is never an issue. “For this trip to India for this Championship, the Bridge Federation meets the entire expense. We need not spend anything from our pockets, “he said.

Liu said bridge is taught in juniors schools and generally it is welcomed by the younger generation. There is an attraction of playing for the country and also earning money. Yet for all this China does not have any overseas experts to train the bridge players. “The premier league is the ideal forum to sharpen skills as overseas players, particularly from Netherlands, Bulgaria, Singapore among others, are part of the teams. Interaction with them helps,” Liu said.

Sometimes, he said, players from China also go to participate in tournaments in America. That is another learning exercise. In Chennai with a mix of old and young players, China is bent on making a mark. Starting on a slow note, China came into the top three by mid-way stage in the round-robin to ultimately finish second . Still Liu is not ready to make any predictions. “We will see how it goes,” was his refrain, although the smile on his face provided an insight of a determined force which has come here with a single-minded purpose.

Not for them the visits outside the hotel yet. For the present the Chinese are happy enjoying the hospitality at the Hotel and the spicy Indian food.