Ella Graca, 90, has partnered with Raymond Chow, competed against Zia Mahmood ˇV and fallen in lust over a bridge hand
I MET ELLA Graca for the first time at a Monday night game after the new millennium. My aunt, who had played bridge for Hong Kong in the 1970s, asked me to make contact with her old friend.
Ella, at 90, has the mind of a 35-year old, the spirit of a twenty-something, and now, with a pacemaker, the heart of a girl in her teens. Her skin is flawless, smile infectious, her hearing not so good. But believe me, at the bridge table she is a wily expert. I know: I have been at the receiving end of her bids! Sheˇ¦s pretty feisty at mahjong too.
Having played bridge for over 60 years, Ella had many things to share with me ˇV anecdotes, historical facts, advice, some juicy stuff as well.
Lets start at the beginning.
I started bridge in Shanghai in 1945. My teacher was my neighbor, a Korean, and he taught my Portuguese boyfriend and me. Our fourth was also my neighbor, she was German-Eurasian-Chinese! I was working for the US military in Shanghai, like so many people at that time. All the money I earned went on high-stakes rubber bridge. I didnˇ¦t know what I was doing, I was just pulling cards out of my hand in the beginning. But I have always liked the game. I have enjoyed playing at all levels. I have had a very happy bridge life. Bridge for me is limitless enjoyment.
If she hadnˇ¦t played bridge?
My secret ambition was to be a criminal lawyer. Unfortunately I did not have the finances to pursue this.
Her secret passion?
In my youth, I loved ballroom dancing. Come Saturday night, if I didnˇ¦t have a date to go dancing, my life was not worth living!
Ella moved to Hong Kong and her bridge career started in earnest. It is an amazing achievement: 45 years representing Hong Kong in open teams, ladies teams, mixed pairs and seniors after the age of 80.
My bridge improved around 1963 after I moved to Hong Kong. I learnt the Roman Club system in preparation for a tournament. I would be playing with Raymond Chow, my first Hong Kong partner. It is only when you start playing tournament bridge that you realize how much you have still to learn about the game. I have represented Hong Kong on both the open events and the ladies teams from 1963. For the last 10 years I have represented Hong Kong on the seniors team. The last time was in 2007 when I was 89 years old. I donˇ¦t know whether I am in the Guinness World Records as the oldest person to represent their country.
The highlights of my bridge career were qualifying to play in the Venice Cup in 2000 (the most prestigious womenˇ¦s tournament, which is held in Bermuda), qualifying for the mixed pairs in the World Teams Olympiad, where I played against the most charming, and in my opinion, the most exciting bridge player in the world, [Pakistani champion who now represents the US] Zia Mahmood.
Considering I was very poor, I have traveled to many countries thanks to bridge. I have been to Venice, Bermuda, Rhodes, the Netherlands, Denmark. In Venice, I played against Sabine Auken of Germany, whom I consider the best womenˇ¦s player in the world today. Her technique and manners are impeccable. I remember she came and gave me and my partner, Shirley Leung, a big hug after we had defeated the French team (their main competition).
Ella can playany prevalent system, she can play all the conventions.
I have had many, many, partners, men and women. My favorite early lady partners were Lillian Fu and Yvonne Chun. I canˇ¦t say that men make better partners or vice versa. Any person who is tolerant qualifies to be my partner. Tolerance is the most important trait in a partnership. Did you know that Hong Kong was responsible for bringing China into the international sports arena for the first time after liberation? It was at the annual Hong Kong inter-city bridge tournament. It was at a bridge table that China and Taiwan sat across from each other for the first time.
And now on a personal note.
If I didnˇ¦t play bridge today, I would still be happy. I believe everyday you live past 70 is a bonus. So I am happy to live day by day. I love reading, so that ranks before bridge. I love listening to music too.
I still play three to four times a week and I enjoy the friendships and avenues that bridge opens up. Bridge has has kept me alert, and I am 90 years old now.
Out of the blue she comes up with ˇK
I believe, bridge is a substitute for sex, but cannot replace it. Donˇ¦t you agree?
Did you ever have a bridge affair?
Yes, a few ... but short-lived ones.
Then, in a hushed tone she asks:
Can I offer advice on life lessons?
Of course.
My advice about life is: see things in perspective. Take things easy. Donˇ¦t make a small thing into a big thing.
