Bridge masters gather in Haikou for world's top competition

Bob Hamman (R), director of the 2019 Buffett Cup's organizing committee, gives an inaugural address. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2019 Buffett Cup: USA, Europe & China Tournament kicked off at Happy Farm in Haikou on April 24. 

A total of 24 of the world's top bridge players from the US, Europe, and China will compete for the final championship in three teams representing their countries during the four-day period.

The competition is considered to be in a top level with the highest standards around the world. It was named and sponsored by Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Incorporation, in 2006, bringing it more attention from the professional mainstream media.

This is China's first year to host and participate in the competition, which was agreed to by Warren Buffett and proposed by Bob Hamman, leader of the North American Bridge Association and director of the competition's organizing committee.

Five million bridge fans are expected to watch the competition through live broadcasting.

Chinese bridge contestants prepare for the 2019 Buffett Cup: USA, Europe & China Tournament. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Bob Hamman gives autographs to bridge fans. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]