Welcome to the pages for the 45th World 2021 Bridge Team Championships to be held from 27th March – 9th April 2022 at the PALAZZO DEI CONGRESSI, Salsomaggiore Terme, Italy

5th April 2022 update –  19:30 

As previously announced, the WBF Championship committee regrets that the decision to interrupt the NBO Trophy was inevitable due to many teams withdrawing, preventing it from being technically and sportingly acceptable.

Considering that several players tested positive, the Championship Committee also decided to require all participants remaining in the Knockout stage of the World Team Championships to take a Covid test. Only players providing a negative test result will be allowed to resume play tomorrow.

Needless to say, this decision has been taken in the interest of the health of the players and persons attending the event.

It seems the cases testing positive are random and unrelated to the safety procedures of the organization and management of the championships, which are in full compliance with the rules and regulations in force.

All procedures are based on the advice of the medical commission and the health authorities.

Whatever tendentious and biased rumours to the contrary that have been circulating are firmly rejected.

We are working hard to conclude the Championships, in full compliance with the relevant health protocols, and want to express our genuine thanks for the support and understanding shown by everyone affected.

Salsomaggiore Terme, 5^th of April 2022

WBF Championship Committee

5th April 2022 – the following announcements were made:

Due to some players and staff having tested positive for Covid-19 we have decided to interrupt play in all competitions until all participants have been tested, in the interest of safety for all participants.
Play is scheduled to resume tomorrow, Wednesday 6th, at 10 am.
All players and team officials (captains and coaches) are required to be tested before they can enter the playing venue again..
Rapid antigen testing performed by a medical professional (no self testing) is required – an official certificate must be presented.
This applies to both the KO matches and the NBO trophy.
All KO matches will still be decided over 96 boards, but sessions will be added to the original schedule.
Specifically, the provisional plan is the following:
Wednesday: 4th, 5th and 6th stanza of the quarter finals and 1st stanza of the semi finals.
Thursday: 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th stanza of the semi finals
Friday: 6th stanza of the semi finals, 1st, 2nd and 3rd stanza of final and play off
Saturday: 4th, 5th and 6th stanza of the final.

We regret having to take this measure but are sure you appreciate that it is done in the interest of your safety.

Cancellation of the NBO Trophy

We have had too many teams withdrawing from the competition – five more during lunch break – , and due to the last developments, the technical integrity of the event has been irreparably compromised.
Regrettably, we are then announcing that the event has been cancelled by decision of the Championship Committee, and will not resume. Decision will be taken as how to prize the participants according to the ranking as it is at the moment.

On behalf of the Championship Committee,

Maurizio Di Sacco
WBF Operations Director