7th March1998

Election fever targets cricket World Cup

by Callistus Davy

Eager to boost his image and turn another leaf, incumbent of the Cricket board President Thilanga Sumathipala has embarked on a plan that he justifies could enable him seek a legitimate second term with Sri Lanka just 10 weeks away from defending the World Cup.

In defending both his public office and the country's cricketing title, Sumathipala set the ball rolling last Thursday and called on the media to offer its suggestions in the run-up to what is undisputedly Sri Lanka's most cherished sporting moment.

"We place this responsibility on your shoulders and let us discuss suggestions for cricket. We can do it again" said Sumathipala when he met journalists at a social meeting.

But the youthful Cricket Board chief was taken completely by surprise the following day when a contestant, Clifford Ratwatte, unheard in the current set-up, sent in his nomination seeking the post of president in what has today become one of the most prestigious institutions in the country.

Elections for office bearers are scheduled to be held in three weeks' time.

It is understood that Ratwatte, who has no known qualification level to contest in constitutional accordance, has been granted Sports Ministry permission to seek office in the controlling body.

But questions are also likely to float around on the policy of the Sports Ministry which has the power to either call for qualification levels or reject requests from individuals of contrasting backgrounds.

For nearly 12 months, Sumathipala worked almost relentlessly towards a revolution and has now the toughest fight on his hands to complete unfinished business. "I don't see anything wrong with this system.

"It has been a most constructive year for me. Regional Boards have been set up and the coaching is in order. You speak to the membership and hear what they have to say. There is a huge amount of satisfaction", said Sumathipala in an interview with The Sunday Times.

But stakes in the forthcoming World Cup showdown and a stipulated second year in office are Sumathipala's strong points in his quest for re-election.

"I have a legitimate right for a second term. The World Cup is at hand and everything is geared. The Board, players and team management is in relationship and we are working very closely with it", he said.

Among Sumathipala's plus-marks that are likely to be used in his election campaign is the construction of some 148 wickets for junior cricket mostly in the provinces where his vote base is said to be strong.

Nominations received by the Cricket Board last Friday were not publicly announced as it awaits ratification at a meeting to be held on March 10.

Chinthaka is a fighter

Undaunted this former Dharmapala cricketer is going ahead to correct his action...

By harith Perera

Chinthaka Jayasinghe, the former Dharmapala College cricketer's bowling has been reported as 'suspect' for throwing.

Undaunted, this cricketer is going ahead to correct his action. He is doing very well in club cricket at the moment whilst turning out for the Old Dharmapalians Sports Club.

The first child born to Rita Jayasinghe, who was a banker, was a boy. The proud father Halwaturage Jayasinghe was serving in the then Ceylon Army, that was on May 19, 1978. His name - Chinthaka Umesh Jayasinghe. At that time the family were residing in Kalutara.

Chinthaka Jayasinghe was first a student of Kalutara Vidyalaya. The school has a history of producing quality sportsmen and women. During the years in which he had his primary education, Chinthaka was identified for his allround sporting capabilities. His special strength and liking was cricket. He did well to represent the Kalutara school in the Under -11 team.

In 1989, when Chinthaka was in Grade 6, the family moved residence to Pannipitiya. Chinthaka then entered Dharmapala Vidyalaya, another leading school in the country and the pride of the Homagama Education District. Young Chinthaka was fortunate as his new school also has a proud history in many fields at inter-school level, including in the sphere of sports.

The young boy was instantly identified by the talent scouts. He received encouragement at school and at home too. In 1990, Dharmapala Vidyalaya won the Astra Margarine Championship in Division Two, while Chinthaka was a member of that team. In 1994, still under 17 years of age and now showing immense promise, Chinthaka entered the National team to the Mini Youth Cup held in Malayasia. Led by Indika Konara of Ananda College, Sri Lanka ended as worthy runner-up. Seven teams were seen in action and Chinthaka learnt a lot from the experience, as he recalls now.

Chinthaka was only 14 years old when he first played for Dharmapala Vidyalaya in 1991, in the first eleven team. In all, he played in seven seasons. His 6th year in 1996/97, Chinthaka was appointed Captain. His inspired leadership and outstanding personal contribution enabled Dharmapala to finish in the 3rd position in the Coca Cola A division points table, after registering 6 victories. With his vast experience having captained the cricket teams of Under -13, Under -15, Under- 17 and Under -19 - Chinthaka Jayasinghe was respected and popular both at Dharmapala Vidyalaya and in the inter- school circuit. He had a tremendous record of scoring over 500 runs and claiming over 25 wickets in one season. In his last three years at school his performances were simply magnificent - 1400 runs and 50 wickets followed by 1100 runs and 85 wickets. But the best was yet to come. In the 1997/98 season, in just eleven matches, Chinthaka accumulated 1300 runs including 5 centuries and 4 half centuries and also capturing 50 wickets. But he did more than just score runs and capture wickets, almost at will.

Chinthaka Jayasinghe stroked the ball to all parts of the ground to score twin centuries against royal College.

It is said that he is the first and only schoolboy to do so against Royal. The historic performance enabled Dharmapala to beat Royal after 24 years. He also missed out, not by much, of doing the same in two other games. Against S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia, Chinthaka hammered 100 and 85 while the Peterites saw him in full cry at Bambalapitya as he scored 122 and 90. Those were the days when spectators used to fill up the Pannipitiya ground to see crafty batsmanship and solid team play as Dharmapala Vidyalaya played attractive, entertaining and quality cricket.

Chinthaka Jayasinghe may have scored more runs and captured more wickets. But he would not regret that. The Indian Under -19 cricketers made a tour of Sri Lanka during that time. Chinthaka Jayasinghe captained the Under 19 Board XI in a three days game at the Moors ground at Braybrooke Place. He was dismissed in the nervous nineties in the second innings when wickets were falling cheaply at the other end. A belligerent and fiery Ajith Agarkar ensured a win for the visitors with a memorable all-round performance under coach Anshuman Gaekwad, and hinted at what was to follow later at Test level. Three Four-Day games and three One-Dayers were played between Sri Lanka and India Under -19 cricketers. Chinthaka Jayasinghe represented the country in all of them.

At inter-club level, Chinthaka Jaysinghe first represented the Old Dharmapalians Sports Club. His best performance came in a Segment B match against Matara Sports Club when he cracked 158 runs at Khettarama. He then joined CCC and played a season of Under-23 for the Maitland Crescent Club. By this time he was looking around to be employed. Sathya Jayasuriya helped him to join Hatton National Bank, a leading establishment that promotes sports and employs sportsmen and women. Chinthaka crossed over to the Burgher Recreation Club where he was an automatic choice in the Under-23 team. His best performance for BRC at Havelock Park was when he scored twin fifties against SSC fielding their full side last season.

This year Chinthaka Jayasinghe turned out for NCC, mainly because many HNB top players also represent the Maitland Place Club. In the Under-23 tournament, he scored three half centuries in six matches - one against his former club CC, came in a semi -final. He is also a regular member of the NCC who play in segment A, although his all-round capabilities are yet to be fully appreciated.

Hatton National Bank with many Test caps within their ranks are the reigning Mercantile 'A' Division champions. Varuna Waragoda, a national poolist, led them on a trip to the Middle East, as a token of appreciation from the management. Chinthaka, who had scored over 200 runs and captured 15 wickets in that championship winning outfit, was also on tour. The bankers participated in the famous Sharjah Ramadhan Festival Cricket tournament. This was the first taste of day -night cricket for CUJ. All matches were played at the picturesque Sharjah International Cricket Stadium. HNB qualified to meet firm favourites Emirates Bank in the final. The Sri Lankan bankers were stretched but eventually won, thus becoming the first team from overseas to win this prestigious tournament in six years of it being held. Chinthaka says he is happy to have performed well as an allrounder and contributed towards the team's success.

Despite his reasonable success at the domestic level, Chinthaka is sad that he was not included in the Sri Lanka 'A' pool, now under training preparing for a tour to england. He is a technically sound top order batsman with the right temperament for the longer duration of the game and the range of strokes required for one-day stuff. His model-like physique is the result of regular training and total commitment. As he was a sprinter of repute during his school days, Chinthaka is a fast mover both as a batsman and as a fielder. He has a safe pair of hands and a strong arm to throw. Chinthaka's only dream is to win a test cap and he is willing to make the sacrifices and work untiringly towards his goal.

Chinthaka's younger brother Chamila is the Captain of Dhrmapala this year, who play in the Lemonade Cup first -eleven inter-school tournament. Youngest sister Chaturi is only 14 years old and has already made her mark as a sprinter at Dharmapala. Chinthaka's father is now in business and his mother, a devoted housewife. They reside in Depanama, Pannipitiya.

Born under the sign of Scorpio, Chinthaka's childhood hero was master batsman, Aravinda de Silva. Whenever he could, Chinthaka loves to listen to music, as a form of relaxation. His other main hobby was collecting postage stamps. His ability to own over a thousand different stamps is a hint to Chinthaka's serious efforts. A soft spoken, pleasant and good natured individual, his independent approach to life is an asset to his personality.

Chinthaka Jayasinghe once became the best batsman amongst the schools. He is grateful to his parents, coaches, well-wishers and team-mates. But he also realises that his road towards a Test cap will be full of reversals and setbacks. Take for instance the latest. His bowling action is reported as unfair. Alone and on sheer ability, Chinthaka Jayasinghe is capable of battling his way into the Sri Lanka Test side.

Kasun guides Ananda to win over Rajans

Ananda helped by a good bowling spell of five for 33 by Kasun Fernando beat Dharmarajah by seven wickets in their inter-school cricket match played at the Col. Rajapakse Stadium at Ananda Mawatha yesterday.

The Rajans batting first were bundled outfor 111 and in their second essay were bowled out for 121.

Ananda declared their first innings at 166 after losing six wickets. Lahiru Chaturanga hit a fine half century and was well supported Jithendra Perera who scored 48.

Dharmaraja - 11 and 121 (Kasun Fernando 5 for 33)

Ananda - 166 for 6 dec. (Lahiru Chaturanga 50, Jitendra Perera 48, E.Abeysinghe 34; A.Jayasundare 2 for 20) and 67 for 3 (Jithendra Perera 21 n.o, M.Pushpakumara 18 n.o)

Malin's 52 sparks dull game

By Ravi Nagahawatte

Peterite Malin Silva's entertaining unbeaten 52 became the highlight of the drawn inter-school cricket fixture between St.Peter's and St.Anthony's which concluded at Bambalapitiya yesterday.

Silva put an end to the dull proceedings with his blistering stroke play and helped St.Peter's to a modest 193 for 6 by the close after the visitors were shot out for 158 in the first innings.St.Peters made 207 all out in their first innings.The middle order batsman who thumped three mighty sixes was associated in a 77 run stand for the seventh wicket with Gavin Ludowyke who also showed form with an unbeaten 45 .S. Basnayake and P.Jayawardane took two wickets apiece.

St.Peter's - 207 all out (J. Jayasuriya 54, M. Silva 30, G. Ludowyke 37, C. Peiris 23, S. Gunasekare 23; P.Jayawardana 5 for 38, S. Pinnaduwa 4 for 5) and 193 for 6 at close (J.Jayasuriya 22, S.Gunasekare 42, G.Ludowyke 45 no,M.Silva 52 no; S.Basnayake 2 for 7, P.Jayawardana 2 for 56)

St.Anthony's - first innings 40 for 3 contd. 158 all out (S. Pinnaduwa 23, N. Nizam 37, S. Burke 45 n.o, N.Senarathmudali 20; S. Pinto 3 for 34, D. Rupasinghe 6 for 39).

Trinity flop and crash for 70

Josephian Roshan de Silva put Trinity on the back foot with a telling bowling spell which had figures of 5 for 12 as the lads from Kandy ended up following-on on the opening day of their inter-school cricket fixture which began at Darley Road yesterday.

The Trinitians flopped from the start and crashed out for just 70 runs in the first innings after allowing St.Joseph's to put up a mammoth 241 for 5 earlier.

The Josephian innings was highlighted by two brilliant knocks which came from Johannes Jayasuriya (60), and D.Perera (88). Trinity skipper Kaushalya Weeraratne bowled well to claim 4 for 75. Following on the Trinitians were 4 without loss. The match will be continued today.

St. Joseph's - 241 for 5 declared (J.Jayasuriya 60, D.Perera 88, D.Ramanayake 26, I.Hettiarachchi 24 no; K.Weeraratne 4 for 75 )

Trinity 70 all out ( C.Aluthge14; R.de.Silva 5 for 12, I.Hettiarachchi 3 for 31, S.Rupasinghe 2 for 0 ) and 4 for no loss. (RN)

Kirsten century puts S. Africa on top against New Zealand

LINCOLN, New Zealand, Saturday (Reuters) - Gary Kirsten and Jonty Rhodes both scored centuries as South Africa made light work of the New Zealand 'A' team attack to score 403 for six wickets on the first day of the three day match at Lincoln Green on Saturday.

The tourists declared with three overs of the day remaining but were unable to force home their advantage with Robbie Lawson (eight not out) and Bryan Young (three not out) taking the home side to 12 without loss at the close of play.

Kirsten played a typical, uncomplicated innings to reach 137 from 225 balls with 24 boundaries in exactly five hours and did not offer a chance in recording his 31st first class century.

Rhodes' century, however, was a bizarre score given the fact that no one, apart from the official scorers, even knew he was in the team until he walked out to bat.

In a last-minute change to the listed team, Rhodes replaced left arm spinner Nicky Boje who was suffering from a badly bruised rib.

Rhodes, too, played in characteristic style by heavily favouring the hook and pull shots and racing to his century with his third six from just 110 balls. He struck 12 fours.

Rhodes has now scored 264 runs in first class cricket in New Zealand and has been dismissed just once.

For the 'A' team bowlers, only left arm seamer Shayne O'Connor has a realistc chance of playing in the second test beginning in Christchurch on Thursday, although coach Steve Rixon saw little to impress him in figures of 1-109 in 22 overs.

Leading riders for Nuwara Eliya road races in April

The crowd-puller in the April festive season in Nuwara Eliya will no doubt be the road race which will see the leading riders pit their wits in taking the chequered flag first conducted by the Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club on April 15 and 16.

Practices wil be held on April 15th afternoon while the events will be held on April 16.

This event has been conducted for over 50 years by the Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club. There will be six events for motor cycles and four events for cars with the possibility of formula 2 racing and the Bajaj event organised by David Peiris and Company.

Two open events are also on the cards.

Two sets of brothers Damian and Ajoy Gunatilleka and Prabath and Ruwan Peiris will vie for honours together with veteran Chandra Peiris and Ajith Perera and Dushan Mapitagama.

In view of the Nuwara Eliya Road Races, the Members Day of the Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club will conduct a novices race to enable them to qualify for this race on Sunday March 7th at Katukurunda.

Kumara wins P'naruwa run

Three hundred and forty three participated in the Historic City ( Polonnaruwa) run conducted by the Lanka Lions Sports Club in which Bandula Kumara Weerasoriya won the senior men 12 kilo metre run in 41 minutes 9 seconds.

S.A.A. Rohan finished in second place in 41 minutes 18 seconds with W.M. Asanga Chaminda third in 41 minutes 21 seconds.

The senior women's race for 6 kilometres was won by Indrani Sriyalatha in 29 minutes 37 seconds followed by Yamuna Vindari Bandara in 30 minutes 10 seconds and Samanthika Kumari in 30 minutes 52 seconds.

The boys' under 12 kilo run was won by K.A. Budhika Jayalal in 44 minutes 24 seconds with Ruwan Namal Ratnayake second in 44 minutes 36 seconds and H.K. Nandasena third in 45. 26 seconds.

K. Rajakaruna the Director of Sports for the North Central Province was the chief guest.

Walsh joins exclusive band

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad,(Reuters) - West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh joined an exclusive club when he took his 400th test wicket .

His dismissal of Ian Healy on the opening day of the first test against Australia earned him membership of the "400 club" alongside India's Kapil Dev (434) and New Zealander Richard Hadlee (431).

Walsh, 36, took three for 37 and test debutant Pedro Collins two for 31 as Australia laboured to 174 for six at the close.

Excellent pace bowling on a pitch of indifferent bounce shackled the Australians for lengthy periods of each session.

Opener Matthew Elliott faced 208 balls in compiling 44 and even the most enterprising batsman, Greg Blewett, faced 134, balls in making 43 not out.

Top soccer fare at Brazil Cup contest

The Brazil Cup football tournament conducted by the Colombo District Schools Football Association and sponsored by Hameediyas will be held from March 15 to April 10 this year.

All matches will be played at Cooray Park, Wellawatte.

All schools participating will be present at Cooray Park on March 13th to receive souvenirs from Hameediyas who will be celebrating 50 years of service.

The opening match in this tournament will be played between Zahira Maradana and Isipatana Vidyalaya at Cooray Park at 4 p.m on March 15th.

The tournament was inaugurated in 1967 with the Brazil Cup being donated by A. F. de Rocha the Charge d'affaires of the Brazilian Consulate. Zahira Colombo emerged champions in 1967.

The schools participating in this tournament are, Zahira, Royal, S. Thomas', Veluwana MV, Thurstan, Hameed Al Hussaniya, Hindu College, Ananda, D.S. Senanayake, St. Peters, St. Joseph's, St. Benedict's, Prince of Wales and Isipatana.Zahira Maradana has won this cup for 11 years, De Mazenod Kandana thrice, St. Benedict's four years, St. Joseph's twice, St. Micheal's, St. Matthew's Dematagoda and St. Anthony's Wattala one each.

Havelocks Champions

By S. Sivendran

In the match against Havelocks, Police went down fighting to Havelocks by 16 points (2 goals, 1 try and 1 penalty) to 8 points (1 goal and 1 try). Havies were able to beat the fit Police team with the knowledge and experience from their players such as Maurice Silva, Maurice Anghie, Dr. Hubert Aloysius (Capt), Y.C. Chang, Ranjit Sri Nissanka, Conrad Euphraums, Quintin Israel, Richard Abrahams and Nimal Maralande.

Havelocks SC skippered by Dr. Hubert Aloysius went onto win the Clifford Cup beating Dickoya by 11 points to 9 points in a cliff- hanger in the Clifford Cup finals.

Dickoya scored first with a penalty by Chris Bean to lead 3-nil. Dickoya increased their lead to 6-nil, this time with a penalty by skipper Ken McPherson.

Havelocks hit back with a try by Maurice Fairweather, the conversion was missed by Ken De Joedt and the scores read 6-3 in favour of Dickoya at the breather.

Second half saw Havelocks score a try by Conrad Euphrams under the post which Ken De Joedt converted to take Havies to an 8-6 lead.

In this ding-dong battle Chris Bean put Dickoya on a 9-8 lead with a penalty. With time ticking off for the final whistle it appeared that Dickoya would walkaway with the Clifford Cup. But it was not to be as Havelocks were awarded a penalty on the stroke of time and Ken De Joedt kicked the decider which sailed sweetly in between the two uprights to the delight of the Park Club boys for Havelocks to win the Clifford Cup by 11 points to 9 and to carry their captain D.R. Hubert Aloysius on their shoulders.

The winning Havelocks team comprised of Dr.. Hubert Aloysius (Captain), Ken De Joedt, Maurice Fairweather, Lorensz Samarasekara Quintin Israel, Maurice Silva, Nimal Maralanda, Dicky Jayatileke, Y.C. Chang, Frankie David, S. Barthlomuesz, B. Jacoline, Gamini Weerasinghe, Richard Abrahms and Conrad Euphraums.

The runners-up Dickoya team was made up of Ken McPherson (Captain), M. Odayar. Vernon Tissera, C. Haines, Ian Gunawardane, R. Thompson, Brian Winter, T.B. Pilapitiya, S. Fisher, David Parker, C. Woosman Mills, R. Lancaster, T. Johnson, David Bretherton and Chris Bean.

Two Mile Swim

The popular Mount Lavinia two-mile sea-swim will be held today (March7) at Mount Lavinia . The swim will begin at 8.00 a.m.Over 450 competitors including, 56 juvenile boys and girls will take the plunge . For the first time seven women from Sri Lanka Air Force will vie for the trophy. Soldier Chaminda Priyadarsana who won gold medals at the Disabled Games held in Bangkok recently will also take part with other disabled soldiers.Sri Lanka swimmers Ajith Weerakkody of Dolphin Club, who won the Ambalagoda two mile sea-swim, Natasha Kodituwakku of Colombo International School, who won the event last year, are favourites to retain the title. (SMD)

Could this be true?

A certain sports journalist from a leading Sinhala newspaper in Sri Lanka is in luck's way Rover learns.

This journalist's name has been recommended by a VIP to cover the World Cup in England in May-June, Since he has not written a single line on the Susanthika Jayasinghe affair, it was a slap in the face for those concerned.

Pleading in vain

Rover learns that two high ranking officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka have in a telephone conversation pleaded to accommadate their nominee as the Liaison Officer of the Sri Lanka team for the World Cup.

Rover learns that these officials have pleaded with Tim Lamb who in turn has spoken to Michael Browning who is an Australian heading the World Cup Committee who had turned down the Sri Lankan request.

Heard this?

Two cub reporters were insulted by a leading cricketer when told that they were from a Sinhala tabloid. To add insult to injury the camera, which these two reporters had was also snatched by this cricketer and the film roll was removed and the camera was then returned. Over to you Mr Cricket Board President, is this the way the media is being treated by your cricketers.

Missing files

A senior official from the Board of Control for Cricket had obtained a loan of Rs 4 lakhs in 1997 for the purchase of a vehicle. This vehicle was later hired to the Board and was later withdrawn due to protests.

But also the file and registration of the deal is missing. It is understood that this loan had to be written off.

Disgrace

It has always been the habit to get the Principal of Trinity College, Kandy elected as one of the five Vice-Patrons of the Kandy District Cricket Association. In fact Trinity are the custodians of the Asgiriya Stadium.

Rover learns that a Cricket Board official had got himself elected instead.

Cricket apartheid ?

A television cameraman (a white man) from the television company that is telecasting the current Asian Test tournament, was told not to film the Sri Lankan cricket team that was in training on the eve of the concluded Asian Test against lndia at the SSC grounds. The man was not willing to put up with what he thought was absurdity. He made inquiries. No problem, he could do his job. Rover wants to know what would have been the position of a Sri Lankan cameraman (television or press) if he had to face the same situation. It is no secret that some Sri Lankan media personnel are not allowed to film or photograph the Sri Lankan players.

Above the law?

Are some Sri Lankan cricketers above the law. If so, who is the player who continues to drive a vehicle that is still unregistered.

1999 Grand Prix calendar

The following is the calendar for the 1999 Formula One season starting on Sunday:

March 7- Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne. Albert Park circuit, lap length 5.30 km, 58 laps. Last year's winner - Mika Hakkinen, McLaren.

April 11- Brazilian, Sao Paulo Interlagos, 4.259 km, 72 laps 1998 - Hakkinen.

May 2- San Marino, Imola Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, 4.9 km, 62 laps 1998 - David Coulthard, McLaren

May 16- Monaco Monte Carlo, 3.36 km, 78 laps 1998 - Hakkinen.

May 30- Spanish, Barcelona Circuit de Catalunya, 4.72 km, 65 laps 1998 - Hakkinen.

June 13- Canadian, Montreal Gilles Villenueve circuit, 4.42 km, 69 laps 1998 - Michael Schumacher, Ferrari

June 27- French Magny Cours, 4.25 km, 72 laps 1998 - Schumacher.

July 11- British Silverstone, 5.14 k, 60 laps 1998 - Schumacher.

July 25- Austrian, Spielberg Al-Ring, 4.31 km, 71 laps 1998 - Hakkinen.

August 1- German Hockenheim, 6.82 km, 45 laps 1998 - Hakkinen.

Aug 15- Hungarian, Budapest Hungaroring, 3.97 km, 77 laps 1998 - Schumacher.

Aug 29- Belgian Spa-Francorchamps, 6.96 km, 44 laps 1998 - Damon Hill, Jordan.

Sept 12- Italian Monza, 5.77 km, 53 laps 1998 - Schumacher.

Sept 26- European Nuerburgring, 4.55 km, 67 laps 1998 - Hakkinen.

Oct 17- Malaysian, Kuala Lumpur Sepang, 5.54 km, 56 laps 1998 - No race.

Oct 31- Japanese Suzuka, 5.86 km, 53 laps 1998 - Hakkinen.

Bridge by Chelliah

Lack of concentration is the main factor to lose many a game contract.

You are in a makeable 3 NT or a major suit game. You look at the dummy and at your hand and you are satisfied that the game is makeable, but you fail to count your winners and losers. You have not thought of discarding. A loser before you lose a trick to the opponents or you have failed to ruff out a loser before you drew out the trumps.

You start well to defend a contract with a good lead but mess up later and defend poorly allowing the opponents to make an impossible game. You are now worried. You are upset, depressed. You are thinking. Your partner tries to advise you.

You try to defend yourself and thereafter you never settle down. The whole day is lost and you end up in frustration.

All these are due to lack of concentration and not controlling your emotions at the bridge table. Stop worrying of the past, put your mind at ease, concentrate on the next deal, ignore your emotional intrusions. Pay attention to cards and make an educated guess and determine the correct play and you are the winner.

Three spades was a limit raise 4S was a cue bid showing a strong 2 suiter north bid 5 clubs and south corrected it to 5 Diamonds.

The Play

West led the Spade Ace which declare ruffed. Declarer was hoping to lose 2 Diamonds and planning to make his contract. But he had to ensure no losers in hearts.

On 2nd trick declarer cashed the heart ace and imagine what west played. The heart Q now south the declarer had a problem.

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