Kolkata/IBNS: More than four hundred bridge players from all parts of the country and Bangladesh will stake their claim for the top honour in the 6th All India Shree Cement Bridge Championship (Category One) beginning at Biswa Bangla Auditorium in New Town here on Thursday.

Giving details of the popular mind game championship Debasish Ray ,former international and Secretary of Corporate Bridge Association of India - the organiser of the event, informed that almost all the noted players who have represented the country in recent times including the men and women teams which won the Bridge Federation of Asia & Middle East Championship held at Lahore, Pakistan earlier this month.

Eighty Five year old Kamal Mukherjee, who has won many laurels playing for India, will also be seen in action  at this meet.

The four-day championship which will be held for both Team and Pair events offers a total of rupees seven lacs as prize money.

Ray said the notable teams to take part this time include Formidables, Dhampur Sugar,  Mavericks, reigning champions Fenesta and Bangladesh Green.