The three sets of finalists did not have long to wait before encountering their first significant deal:
We start with the women:
If West does not raise, North will have her full arsenal of bids available, perhaps starting with a transfer to clubs before showing her hearts. Whatever the meaning of 2NT, NS did not look beyond game.
Should North have made an effort over 4[H]? Its asking a lot, as South needs very specific cards for a slam to be good.
The Seniors could do no better, Garner jumping to 4[H] after Lair had doubled Shen’s opening bid of 1[S[H] and Shen had raised to 2[S[H], while. Tao overcalled Lall’s 1[S[H] with 1NT and then bid 4[H] when Lin doubles Milner’s 2[S[H].
What could the Rosenblum finalists do?
Declarer won the diamond lead with the ace, cashed the [S[H]A, ruffed a spade and ran the [H]Q, soon claiming all the tricks, +1460. Could Lavazza match that?
Declarer did not go flat out,+680 so 13 IMPs to Zimmermann.
