Waikanae Open Pairs 2026

Our annual Open Pairs tournament took place on Sunday 15th February.  The event was very well supported, with 21 tables.

Generously sponsored by Charles Fleming Retirement Village and splendidly organised by Margaret Gordon, the day was an enjoyable and successful one.

The winners were Jack James and Morgan Booker from Palmerston North.  Alan Grant and Peter Newell from Wellington were in 2nd place, and our own John Donbavand was 3rd with his Wellington partner, Antony Ker.  

Winners - Jack James & Morgan Booker

Runners-up - Alan Grant & Peter Newell

The major prizes were kindly presented by Wendy Burns, representing the sponsors.

Other Waikanae successes were recorded by Vivienne Cannell and Maureen Pratchett, who won the session prize for the Howell movement (ask Maureen: Ed).  Also of note, Anthea Black and Naciye Bagci were 2nd N/S in the morning session, with Sandie Wright and Karen Hutchins 3rd N/S in the morning and 2nd E/W in the afternoon, finishing 5th overall.

Thanks are due to:

• Anne Ricketts - Director
• Margaret Gordon - scorer
• Kevin Walker and Maureen Pratchett - for their assistance in setting up the event
• Roz King - for organising the catering, assisted in the kitchen by Chris Carlyon, Mehegan Goodman, Di Andrews, Shelley Ross, and Alison Hall
• Fiona McDonald-Bates - for running the raffle (won by Chris Farrow)
• Marg Gott - for her help behind the bar

and all those who assisted with the setup before and clean up after the event.