Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

World’s number one bridge player suspended after failing drugs test

Drugs were 'not performance enhancing', says president of Norwegian Bridge Federation

Samuel Osborne
Saturday 02 March 2019 01:00 GMT
Comments
Geir Helgemo, a Norwegian who represents Monaco in bridge events, accepted he had breached anti-doping rules
Geir Helgemo, a Norwegian who represents Monaco in bridge events, accepted he had breached anti-doping rules (European Bridge League)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The world’s number one bridge player has been suspended after failing a drugs test.

Geir Helgemo, a Norwegian who represents Monaco in bridge events, tested positive for synthetic testosterone and female fertility drug clomifene at a World Bride Series in Orlando in September.

Mr Helgemo was suspended by the World Bridge Foundation (WBF) after accepting he had breached anti-doping rules.

All his titles, medals and points from the 2018 World Bridge Series have also been revoked.

His suspension runs until 20 November.

Kari-Anne Opsal, president of the Norwegian Bridge Federation, said the drugs were “not performance enhancing”.

In a statement on the federation’s website, she said: “Geir Helgemo ... has previously played for the Norwegian national team and is our biggest star.

“Many within the bridge community know Geir and respect him.

“It is his responsibility not to take substances that are on the doping list, even though in this instance they are not performance enhancing in bridge.

“I feel for Geir in this situation and hope he will come back stronger after 20 November, 2019, when his ban ends.”

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The World Bridge Federation (WBF) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and as such abides by World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in