Marisa Matut and Pedro Gonçalves emerged victorious in the Bridge tournament, while Mª Mercedes Raposo and Mª Carmen Agra clinched the Canasta tournament at the Agricultural Casino. The Valencian Society of Agriculture and Sports (RSVAD), widely known as Casino de Agricultura, recently hosted its two annual tournaments, drawing participation from over a hundred Bridge and Canasta enthusiasts. Among the victors were Mª Mercedes Raposo and Mª Carmen Agra in Canasta, and Marisa Matut and Pedro Gonçalves in Bridge, securing the top positions.
Bridge has been a staple game at the Casino since the mid-20th century, demanding extensive learning and exceptional skill. During the tournaments, couples engage in 26 to 28 hands, with an average duration of 7 minutes per hand, each featuring an auction and play. Alongside the overall winners, notable couples included: 2nd place Marisa Beltrán and Ana Olano, 3rd place Carmen Rubio and Geni Baeza, 4th place Ana Archer and Elena Caballer, 5th place Concha Chuliá and José San Andrés, 6th place Carmen Tellols and Rosa Alicia García, 7th place José Luis Termens and Eduardo Orozco, 8th place Maribel Cortés and Conchín Bayo, and 9th place Sres de Azpitarte, along with Cary Echazarreta and Andrés Ballester, and Maribel Franco and Nuala Hahn.
In the Canasta tournament, which also originated in the mid-20th century, noteworthy placements included Marise Sancho and Mariam Calero in second place, and Mª Carmen Martínez and Maribel Valiente securing third place.
Established over 165 years ago, the Royal Valencian Society of Agriculture and Sports has been a prominent institution in the economic, social, political, cultural, recreational, festive, and sporting spheres of Valencia. Notable milestones include its involvement in the formation of the first agrarian unions and the Agrarian Chamber in the late 19th century. In 1909, it played a pivotal role in the Valencian Regional Exhibition, convincing the government to nationalise the following year’s contest. In the mid-20th century, it acquired its current headquarters, spanning 3,000 metres of diverse utility. In 1961, the Bridge Section was established, followed shortly by the Canasta Section, both of which remain highly active today, serving as platforms for reflection and discourse. Under the leadership of its current president, Manuel Sánchez Luengo, the institution continues to thrive, conducting numerous cultural activities and maintaining social ties with 60 clubs in Spain and 40 abroad.
Report by Abi Kara-Fernandes
Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’
Casino de Agricultura
Carrer de les Comèdies, 12
46003 València
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