In a simple ceremony the President of the European Bridge League, Gianarrigo Rona, welcomed everyone to the first European Open Championships here in Menton yesterday. It was a historic moment, signaling as it did the start of these ground breaking events which are open to players from all over the world.

The backroom boys are trying to calculate the number of World, European, North American and National Champions taking part – our first guess is that the figure will comfortably exceed one hundred.

Apart from the terrific contest taking place at the tables we intend to give you plenty to think about with both old and innovative competitions starting in tomorrow’s Bulletin. Meanwhile we gently remind you that our best source of information is you the players. We cordially invite you to bring us your stories, good, bad, humorous, they are all equally welcome.