1 - European Bridge League

9 th European Youth Bridge Pairs Championship Daily Bulletin, No 1, 08.07.17
Irene Baroni, Italy.
Watch out for the ‘Bad-Ass’
By Peter Ventura
I am not sure if one of our contestants, Irene Baroni,
has any relationship with ‘The New York Bad-Ass’ Phil
Baroni, who has fought in the Ultimate Fighting
Championship where he holds a record. He has
developed a reputation for his boxing ability and
knockout power. If there is a connection between Phil
and Irene — be aware… In fact, the last time we saw her
she was equipped with crutches…
However, here in Wrocaw the Italian Pair of Irene
Baroni and Alberto Sangiorgio kicked off slowly.
They were in the Italian silver squad last year in Lido di
Jesolo, Italy, where the 21 st European Youth Team
Championships were played. At that time they were the
sixth best pair in the Butler. Your editor put on the
kneepads and followed the Italian pair during the first
session.
In the very first board Baroni held this hand:
[ K 8 7 5 3
] 8 5 3
{ 5
} 10 6 5 3
She listened to the following auction:
West North East South
Sangiorgio Betley Baroni Sikora
1 [ Pass 2 NT*
4 { 4 ] All Pass
4
* 2 NT = Invitational with spade support and a
shortness somewhere
Alberto Sangiorgio, Italy.
What is your lead?
Despite the fact North/South were playing in hearts,
this was easy for Baroni. She only had to lead a spade
for partner to ruff, since the opponents must have eight
spades together. This was the whole layout — and it
certainly not the one Baroni had expected:
BOARD 1
AQ1092
AKQ107
10
74
J64 K8753
J4 853
AKJ8432 5
K 10653
962
Q976
AQJ982
N/None