Page 4 - ABF Newsletter April 2025

April is here, and with it comes exciting news, re- markable achievements, and plenty of opportunities to get involved in the Australian bridge community.
Gold Coast Congress 2026
A spectacular event with a glimmer of hope
The 2026 Gold Coast Congress was a resounding success thanks to a team of amazing people led by Richard, Kim and Tim. They ensured that its legacy as one of the premier bridge events in Australia was maintained. While it was previously announced that this 63rd edition would be the last, there remains a glimmer of hope that the event could be resur- rected. The ABF is committed to exploring every possible avenue to keep this iconic event alive. We will communicate any developments in this space as soon as possible.
Meet your Australian international teams
The Australian representative teams for the APBF and World Championships have now all been con- firmed! To see who will be representing our country, visit Meet the Teams. A special highlight in this year’s lineup is Sophie Ashton, who is making history as the first woman in many years to compete in the Australian Open team. Be sure to read the featured article on her journey in this newsletter.
A momentous victory on the world stage
Congratulations to Sartaj Hans and Andy Hung on their remarkable achievement in winning the inau-
gural World Bridge Tour Pairs Final, held in Memphis this March. Their outstanding performance has fur- ther cemented Australia’s presence on the interna- tional bridge scene. Additionally, please join me in applauding Nabil Edgtton and his partner, New Zea- land’s Michael Whibley, for securing second place – an exceptional result for our region.
Supporting the businesses that support us
Our sponsors play a vital role in the success of Aus- tralian bridge, and I encourage all players to sup- port them. Special thanks to TBIB Insurance Brokers, Fixed Income Solutions, Red Plum Automotive, and our newest partner, Arts National. Their contribu- tions help us continue delivering top-tier events and provide opportunities for bridge players nationwide.
Player Registration Cards A step towards sustainability
In a move towards reducing unnecessary waste, the ABF will discontinue the printing of player registra- tion cards. Players who still wish to have a printed card will be able to utilise a self-service printing option. This option is currently under development so please continue to retain your 2024 card for the moment. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation with this transition.
Upcoming national gold point events: Get Involved!
I encourage all players to participate in the National Gold Point events being held over the next three months in Orange, Adelaide, Barrier Reef, Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne. These events are a fan- tastic opportunity to compete at a high level and earn valuable gold points. For event details, visit the MyABF Calendar and filter by “NATIONAL GOLD POINT” events.
In closing, I would like to share that Bridge in Aus- tralia continues to flourish, thanks to the dedication of our players, volunteers, and sponsors. Whether you’re competing at the highest level, enjoying club games, or supporting major events, your participa- tion strengthens our bridge community. I look for- ward to seeing you at the tables!
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Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: April 2025