How exactly does a bridge player prepare himself for the world's most important tournament, the World Championship teams? There and then it will have to happen. There we will have to show our Dutch team has entered the absolute world top level.
My preparation was rather odd, really, since it consisted of being away from home mostly.

After another five days at home, departure for São Paulo, Brazil, for the World Championship teams. Those last five days at home are weird. You start checking who are to participate, you check for deals played by the pairs you are going to meet, you prepare, you even check the world ranking list. It showed Huub Bertens is our star player (68th) but also that he is not a World Life Master. You check Betfair (betting site for sporting events) for the favourites, but nothing there.

To me Russia and Germany seem like dangerous outsiders, but I think USA 2 (Meckwell* are by far the world's strongest pair), Italy and Netherlands are the main favourites. China (with Jack Zhao) will be a medal candidate too.

The tension is mounting, I do things I normally wouldn't do (this time I get myself an appointment at a pedicure). Why? No idea. Mentally I am in São Paulo already, in fact in the final, against Italy. Let's hope I get there and that my ultimate dream finally comes true. But first let us start to play well and beat strong teams like Australia, New Zealand (very good team), Chile and Mexico.

I can't wait to hear the tournament director call:
'LET'S PLAY BRIDGE!'
...and subsequently make 1NT doubled on the first deal, enabling me to cry out loud:
'ONEHUNDREDANDEEEIGHTY!'

* 'Meckwell' is an often used contraction of the surnames of the American super pair Jeff Meckstroth - Eric Rodwell  -Editors, Bridgevaria.com