Ralph Katz (above) has 20 NABC titles. It's no surprise then, that when the Nickell team was looking for a replacement for Dick Freeman, they turned to Ralph. He's not only a great player, he is usually calm at the table and seems to bring out the best in his partner.
Last fall, he became a world champion -- the team he was on (Nickell) won the Bermuda Bowl in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (He had two second-places finish and a third-place finish before then as well as many other high placings.)
Katz comes from a bridge-playing family. His wife, Martha Benson Katz won the World Youth Team Championship in 1991. Their son Sam is also an up-and-coming player. Ralph lives in Burr Ridge IL, near Chicago.
Nikolay Demirev (above) of Arlington Heights IL (also near Chicago) has five NABC wins. A great player is often one who can win with many different players. Nik's five wins are with four different partners. He is a part-time blogger here.
Justin Lall of Dallas TX won the world Youth Team Championship in 2003 and 2006. In 2006, he won the Grand National Teams - Championship Flight. At just 22 years old, it's obvious to say his future is bright. Justin blogs here.
Images by MOJO and taken in Reno with my Canon 40D.
Another interesting post filled with lots of interesting people.
ReplyDeleteHey, Mojo! Sorry I haven't been around the blogs lately. Will try to catch up soon. Congrats on the 5th place finish in the poker tournament! Very nice. Always enjoy your recaps. :)
ReplyDeleteThe top image made me wonder if there's something as a bridge face, you know, like there's a poker face?
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@Jacob: thanks
ReplyDelete@jusdealem: Missed you, but understand. Glad your new business seems to be going well!
@joxum: When I clicked to enlarge the top image, I was surprised to see he had his eyes shut as if deep in thought.
Actually, it looks like they are both sleeping!
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