are to be subject to drug testing for the first time.

Tests will be conducted on a random basis among ten percent of the 240 competitors on Island for the three-week event being held at the Fairmont Southampton Princess.

Urine samples could be taken from medal winners or other contestants, and checked for a list of performing enhancing substances, including marijuana and cocaine.

The analysis will be conducted by the World Bridge Federation, for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), under whose auspices the event falls as bridge is now recognised as an Olympic sport.

John Hoskins, secretary general of the Bermuda Olympic Association, said: "This is the first major tournament held since bridge was accepted by the IOC and this is why it is being done.

"You test for a whole list of prescribed substances. The samples are taken away and tests run for any of these sorts of things, the potential things are social, performance enhancing or relaxants.

"The World Bridge Federation are running the testing of the athletes during the competition, it will be random -- anybody could be picked upon.'' Although bridge is not automatically associated with drug taking, Mr. Hoskins said some available substances could be used to calm nerves during intense competition or to make people think faster in a short time.

"I don't think it is going to be a major thing, perhaps they may test the medal winners or some random samples,'' he said.

Bridge players to be drug tested "If they get selected, then refuse, they could be considered guilty. They could be disqualified and their team would be disqualified.'' With most of the competitors of a more mature age, many players will have to declare medications they are taking for particular conditions.

Any tests will be sent to IOC labs in Montreal, Canada.

But with three weeks of pressure games for the six-person teams, leading to the coveted 50th Bermuda Bowl, there could be temptation.

"There will be three matches a day for the first seven days,'' Mr. Hoskins said. "A lot of bridge is very, very tiring. People think it is a bit of a joke but you have three two-and-a-half-to-three-hour sessions.

"It is very stressful, maybe drugs could be useful.'' It is 25 years since the Bermuda Bowl was held on the Island and officials will be hoping there is no repeat of an incident then when a team was booted out for cheating.

According to Mr. Hoskins, the team in question used a foot tapping code to pass their information. These days referees, special tables and screens ensure the events are trouble-free.

The event runs from January 7 to 21, with a special opening ceremony on Friday.

Bermuda Bowl preview: Page 8 BRIDGE BDG