CARD players will go head-to-head in the UK’s biggest bridge tournament.

Brighton Summer Meeting kicked off at the Hilton Metropole hotel on Friday and runs to August 17.

The meeting, run by the English Bridge Union, is set for more than 1,500 people including 600 who played the first round of matches at the weekend.

Peter Stockdale, spokesman, said: “The first weekend has been a great success with the wet and windy weather failing to dampen spirits.”

The main pairs competition concluded on Sunday after 287 pairs had played 15 hours of bridge. The winners were Tom Townsend and Mark Teltscher, both from London. The best placed local pair were Andy Ryder and Peter Clinch, both from Hove, who were equal 15th.

The midweek events include competitions specifically for under 25s and over 60s. For more information visit www.ebu.co.uk.