At the start of the annual Kona Sectional on the island of Hawaii, Paul needed only about 5.5 silver points to make Life Master – AND Bronze Life Master. Silver is hard to come by when you live in Hawaii. Each island has just one small Sectional per year.

Paul earned half of what he needed on the first morning, winning the B/C/D pairs with his girlfriend Myongshin, who has just 20 points! Then that afternoon he played with his mentor Jim Cheney, placing 2nd overall in the Flight A event.

Congratulations, Paul!

Here is Paul’s story:

“I learned to play bridge when I was 9 or 10 on my mom’s lap when they would play social bridge in the early 70’s.   Then, like most people, I went on with life and didn’t play any bridge until I was about 57 years old.  That’s when I started at the Hilo club – which I have to say is one of the best clubs around for someone who is learning.  All the people are great and they are all so helpful. Everyone switches who they play with and not just the good players beating up on the rookies. I love them all! After a year or two. Jim Cheney started to mentor and go to tournaments with me which meant so much. He was very patient and a great teacher. I couldn’t have done this without him.”