The World Bridge Team Championships, back in China for the first time in 12 years, received a warm and official welcome from the host nation and the city of Shanghai, clearly committed to making the competition memorable for all involved.

WBF President José Damiani declared the championships open at 7:02 p.m. It was the conclusion of a night of celebrations and promises.

“We will make every effort to provide a satisfying environment . . . for the players, staff and officials,” said Xiang Huai Cheng, president of the Chinese Contract Bridge Association.

Shanghai Vice Mayor Yang Dinghua pledged her city’s cooperation and support for the championships, and Liu Peng, minister of the General Administration of Sports, declared that the bridge tournament is “an important event for China.”

China, Damiani said, “is becoming a true force in our family of bridge.”

The ceremonies were co-hosted by Fan Guang Sheng, secretary general of the CCBA, and Dong Wang, a sportscaster for one of the many television stations operated by the Shanghai Media & Entertainment Group, a major sponsor of the tournament.

SMEG’s commitment to the event was evident by the number of TV cameras recording the ceremonies.

Sixty-six teams from 30 different countries are represented in the three major events – the Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup and Senior Bowl.

After several enthusiastic officials were introduced to offer welcomes to the players and staff of the tournament, Damiani took the stage to a burst of the trumpet music heard at the Olympic Games. It has long been the dream of the WBF to have bridge included in the Games.

The WBF president presented special gifts to two friends of the game.

Wang Han Bin, a Chinese State Leader, has a great passion for bridge, Damiani told the gathering. “In particular, without his support the 1995 World Bridge Championships would not have been possible. He also utilized his capacity as the Vice-Chairman of the National People’s Congress to promote bridge globally by playing the game with international political dignitaries.”

The other special award went to Li Lianqing.

Said Damiani: “I very often talk about my love story with China and the Chinese people. This is due in great part to Mr Li Lanqing.

“We met about 15 years ago, and not only did we play bridge, but we also talked about music, education and you know what: Corsica, my small island of origin. (Very few people in the world are able to locate this beautiful place, even though some knew that it was Napoleon’s birthplace).

“I was very impressed by the knowledge, culture and open mind of Mr Li Lanqing.

“And year after year when we met, my admiration and friendship for you, Mr Li Lanqing, increased more and more.

“Not only have you had a great professional career but you have a tremendous reputation across the world as an economist and you were kind enough to show me that you are also a great writer, as you sent me signed copies of your marvellous books on music and education.

“The world bridge community is very proud to have you, as a bridge lover and Honorary President of the Chinese Contract Bridge Association, with us tonight.”

Li surprised Damiani by presenting him with two gifts, a carving depicting bridge and a scroll about promoting bridge “for intelligence.”

Dong concluded the evening with one more plug: “As long as we have bridge inside, we will transcend.”