The first Venice Cup
In 1974, an international bridge competition for women was launched in Italy. It was called 'The Venice Cup' and, 50 years on, it continues as a biennial tournament.
In May 1974, the Italian Bridge Federation invited a team of American women players to an invitational challenge match against their own women's team.
Over eight days, the two highly successful teams would compete in the city of Venice for a new trophy dubbed 'The Venice Cup'.
Originally a one-off event, the Venice Cup continues to this day as a biennial tournament and is held around the world.
Andrew Edwards speaks to American Bridge life-master Bette Cohn, now in her 90s, about her memories of the competition.
A Made In Manchester production for the BBC World Service.
(Photo: The Italian Venice Cup team. Credit: World Bridge Federation)
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