When WBF President Jose Damiani declared the World Bridge Championships open at 7:50 p.m. on Saturday, 66 teams from 36 nations turned their attention to the reason they are in Sao Paulo to take home hardware in the form of medals, preferably gold.

As noted in the well-attended opening ceremony, the 2009 tournament is the fifth for Brazil, the first being Rio de Janeiro in 1969.

“What a great pleasure it is for us to be back in Brazil,” Damiani said.

The WBF president followed Ernesto d’Orsi, president emeritus of the Brazilian Bridge Federation and head of the organizing committee for the 2009 championships.

D’Orsi thanked the many sponsors and welcomed all visitors: “I hope you enjoy São Paulo and profit from our hospitality.” São Paulo Mayor Gilberto Kassab also offered an official welcome to all players.

The audience was treated to an introduction of all the teams, starting with Argentina and ending, to rousing applause, with the teams from the host nation in the Bermuda Bowl, Venice Cup and the D’Orsi Seniors Bowl.

Concert pianist Arthur Moreria Lima played a rendition of the Brazilian national anthem plus other concert pieces.