Team Mohta, Jalan enter Ruia Gold Cup final; Banerjee–Tolani win IMP Pair at Winter National Bridge meet

In a high-intensity penultimate round at the Ashok Ruia Memorial Winter National Bridge Championship, held at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in New Town, Team Mohta outplayed the seasoned Railways side by 173–121 Victory Points (VPs).

Their commanding performance not only dethroned the tournament favourites but also cemented their status as the surprise package of this year’s championship.

In the title clash Mohota will take on strong contender Team  Hemant Jalan who also caused a mild flutter outplaying former title holders Formidables by 119 -95 VPs.

The duo Swarnendu Banerjer & Raju Tolani bagged the title for Phoenix Market City IMP Pairs Event collecting 96.3 International Match Points (IMPs) in the final round while Sapan Desai & Pijush Kanti Baroi became runners up with 85.5 IMPS. 

Wrik Chakraborty and Prasanto Bera finished third, logging 79.9 IMPs.

In the first semi final  of the Ruia Gold Cup Mohota rose to the occasion and maintained lead against the Railwaymen all through while the second semi final saw both the teams earning lead alternately.

Finally Jalan kept their cool and clinched issue in their favour.

Earlier in the quarter finals Mohota edged past Third Eye by 153 - 111 VPs while Hemant Jalan defeated Monica Jajoo 166- 95.

In two other matches of the last eight stage Formidables out-played Deepadhar 194. 25 - 86 and Indian Railways "A" beat Shri Radhey 134 - 86.