Panaji, June 26 (IANS) Host nation India is assured of at least a silver medal at the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championships after the India B Seniors team produced a legendary comeback to defeat Japan by a solitary IMP (126–125) and storm into Saturday’s gold medal match.

The Indian team will take on Australia, who advanced after a commanding 170–67 victory over Bangladesh, for the ultimate Asia Cup title.

Trailing Japan by 22 IMPs heading into the final session, India B delivered a superb fightback, winning the last segment 56–40 to overturn the deficit and clinch the closest match of the tournament.

“It was an absolute nail-biter till the very last board,” said Anal Shah, Coach and Captain of the Indian Seniors team. “We came back in the final session and finally won by just one IMP, which makes the victory all the more satisfying.”

India’s Senior B playing squad comprises Anil Padhye, Raju Tolani, Rajesh Dalal, Jitu Solani, Hemant Jalan, and Sukamal Das, while awaiting them in the championship match is a formidable Australian side featuring Ian Thomson, Terry Brown, Peter Gill, David Hudson, Michael Courtney, and Paul Lavings. The Seniors final will be played over three sessions across 1.5 to 2 days, with medals decided in an all-play-all format.

Alongside the team championships, the HCL Friendship Matchpoint Pairs competitions moved into their final stage. Eight Indian pairs qualified for Saturday’s medal rounds across divisions, ensuring strong national representation. The finals will be contested over three sessions in an all-play-all format using matchpoint scoring.

Elsewhere, the remaining team finals were locked in: China vs Hong Kong China A in the Men’s Final; China vs Indonesia in the Women’s Final; and Australia A vs China B in the Mixed Final.

With India’s Seniors already assured of a medal and eight pairs in contention in the HCL Friendship Matchpoint Finals, the host nation remains strongly represented as the Asia Cup Bridge Championships enter their decisive stage. The Grand Finals are scheduled for Saturday, June 27.

–IANS

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