Following the great organizational success of the second European Open Bridge Championships, held in Tenerife, in Spain's Canary Islands in 2005, the EBL has announced that the third event of the series is to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from 15 to 30 June 2007.

The first two editions of the new event were very well received by the players thanks to the many innovations introduced. In the European Open, European medals and distinctions are possible for all players, irrespective of level. Everybody is able to take part in the various tournaments without advance qualification. There are competitions for every taste: Pairs and Teams, open to all players or restricted to Women, Seniors and Mixed - and one may choose which to contest.

The European Open welcomes players not only from Europe, but from all over the world. In addition, all events are transnational - that is to say, everybody may play with anybody, without any nationality restrictions.

The venue of the 2007 European Open will be the luxurious World of Wonders Resort Hotel, in Antalya Turkey. The resort, consisting of the Kremlin Palace (where all bridge sessions will be played) and the Topkapi Palace, leaves nothing to be desired. Once resident in the resort, one can forget his wallet: all meals, drinks, sports and beach sports and facilities (with minor exceptions) are included in the room rate and can be enjoyed practically around the clock at no additional charge.

Antalya (the ancient Pergamos), a maritime city on the south coast of Turkey, lies in the center of an area developed since ancient times. Therefore, there are many historic sites of great importance to visit around. This is an excellent match with the area's natural beauty, both in the interior and on the coast which meets the friendly warm waters of the Mediterranean.

• For the competition results of the 2nd European Open Championship (Arona, Tenerife, Spain, 2005), click here.

Journalists visit Championships Venue

Led by EBL President Gianarrigo Rona and IBPA President Patrick Jourdain, a group of bridge journalists visited the Turkish city of Antalya, January 19-21, 2007, and inspected the World of Wonders resort, venue of the 3rd European Open Bridge Championships. The Championships will be held June 15-30, 2007.

On Saturday afternoon, June 20, the European Championships were presented at a crowded press conference, also attended by the highest local authorities, such as the Governor of the Region of Antalya, the Major of Antalya, the General Manager of World of Wonders, and the President of the Turkish Bridge Federation.

While in Antalya, the journalists visited the various sites of the venue, including the playing area, technical sites, hotels and other resort facilities. The purpose of the visit was to offer the opportunity to experience the technical, logistic and tourist aspects of this major event.

Visitors were impressed by the playing area consisting of two large rooms at the heart of the resort; they are fully air-conditioned and without destructing pillars. The World of Wonders, a sea side resort of unique beauty, offers a great variety of entertainment possibilities and recreational facilities, including a number of huge swimming pools and a long private beach. The 'all-included' service (free food, drinks and use of facilities) is available 24 hours a day.