Most notably recognized was NY metropolitan area head Director, Sol Weinstein . Solly's dedication to District 24's tournaments has been invaluable. The title is earned by players with 10,000 masterpoints and at least one NABC win. Mel Colchimaro suffered a heart attack during the Anaheim NABC, and underwent angioplasty. His team was forced to withdraw from the Spingold after winning its opening match.
Nothing stops a bridge player.
The Fast Pairs was introduced partially because the IMP Pairs appeared, based on table count, not to be an overly popular event. The Fast Pairs drew only 71 tables, while the Imp Pairs drew 182 tables. Not necessarily a bad showing for the first year, but certainly not a good showing. The WBF's need for increased funds is due, in part, to funding their campaign to bring bridge to the Olympics. Also, while the WBF has a good record of obtaining sponsorship, there has been a decrease in this area recently.