Meet The Panel

Sophie, a University of Sydney Applied Mathematics graduate with a University Medal, commenced her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and Barclays Capital, working globally as a quantitative analyst and risk management consultant. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, she co-established the Goulburn Health Hub, evolving it from a greenfields site to a flourishing medical center with 60+ consulting doctors. During this journey, Sophie rediscovered her passion for bridge, connecting with her mentor and future husband, Sartaj Hans. A devoted mother of two, Sophie aims to qualify for the finals in the World Mixed Teams Championships, showcasing her ongoing success at the bridge table.

I learnt bridge from my mother as a teenager. I’ve won both the Open Playoff and the National Open Teams more than any other Aussie, most of my wins being in the last decade. I have won 56 Nationals with 32 partners. My 38 NSW State championship wins are with 20 different partners. Even though I’ve played Sartaj Hans’ Precision system a lot, I like simple systems that don’t tax the brain too much. Going through the hands afterwards in my opinion is vital for improvement, but improvement has to be kept separate from the playing process. At the table, it’s therefore important to minimise talk so that concentration is maximised. Applying those processes, I’ve won bridge events on most continents (except Antarctica) and also won the Best Defended Hand in the world in 2004.

I've always loved games, and when I was younger I played both Magic the Gathering and Poker at a high level before eventually settling on Bridge. I've got a maths background and love the combination of probability and psychology that the game offers. 

I can argue about bidding theory for hours and my main philosophy has always been to try and make the opponents' life difficult. I love the social aspect of Aussie tournaments and I've even managed to win a few! 

For the past six years, I've also had the privilege to be involved as non-playing captain of the Australian Youth Team. It's been fantastic to see the next generation of Australian bridge superstars develop.

Some of my other hobbies include travel, hiking, photography & betting on sports.

Ishmael Del'Monte is a standout bridge player known for his innovative and dynamic approach to the game. His resounding success echoes through the halls of the North American Bridge Championships, where he has claimed victory five times, including notable wins in the Lebhar IMP Pairs, Nail Life Master Open Pairs, Vanderbilt, and the Soloway Knockout Teams. Ishmael's strategic brilliance and distinctive style have firmly established him as a force to be reckoned with in the competitive bridge circuit. Beyond the table, his engaging teaching methods bring an entertaining touch to the world of bridge education, influencing and inspiring players across various skill levels.

Originally from NZ, Liam is a dynamic force in the world of bridge and is renowned for his strategic prowess and unwavering passion for the game. A rising star in the global bridge community, Milne's sharp intellect and keen intuition have earned him acclaim as a formidable player. His dedication to advancing the craft is evident through his involvement in various high-profile events and competitions. Milne's strategic brilliance, combined with a personable demeanor, makes him not just a bridge player but a captivating ambassador for the game. With a commitment to excellence, Milne continues to leave an indelible mark on the bridge world, inspiring enthusiasts globally.

A seasoned bridge player with over 15 years of experience, was born into a family of enthusiasts, her parents fostering her interest in the game. From early lessons in point counting with her mother to joining youth sessions, Renee's passion for bridge flourished. A globetrotter in the world of bridge, she proudly represented her nation in various teams, achieving remarkable feats like securing 2nd place in the World U25 Youth Girls Teams. Renowned for her versatility, she's excelled in national events in Australia and earned accolades, including the prestigious World Bridge Federation Fairest and Best in the juniors, showcasing her commitment and love for the game.

Pele Rankin, a bridge enthusiast since 1988, embarked on a journey fueled by passion for the game. Representing Queensland at the ANC in Women's and Open teams, she reached greater heights by donning the green and gold for Australia in Women's and Mixed teams. For Pele, bridge is an art of minimizing mistakes and maintaining focus, valuing simplicity in systems. Collaborating with partners to establish an enjoyable system, she emphasizes trust in signals, counting, and partner's carding for rewarding plays. Pele's enduring love for the game is evident in her wisdom: "Bridge isn't about doing anything clever; it's about enjoying the greatest game!"

​Mike Ware, a cherished presence in the world of bridge, is not just a regular on the NZ Open Team but a beacon of approachability and friendliness. With a warm and inviting demeanor, Mike has become a delight to be around for players and teammates alike. His infectious enthusiasm for the game extends beyond the cards, creating a welcoming atmosphere at the table. As a consistent member of the NZ Open Team, Mike's strategic prowess is complemented by his ability to foster camaraderie. In the realm of bridge, his friendly disposition has made him not only a formidable player but a beloved figure among peers.

Ron Klinger, a prominent figure in the world of bridge, discovered his love for strategic games through chess, winning both the NSW and Australian Junior Championships at the age of 17. Transitioning to bridge in 1959, he forged a remarkable career, representing Australia in numerous international championships. Ron's prowess extends beyond the card table; as an author and teacher, he's penned over 70 bridge books, earning recognition such as the Book of the Year award from the American Bridge Teachers Association. A dedicated player, lecturer, and editor, Ron's contributions have left an indelible mark on the global bridge community.

David Gue, a mainstay on the Australian Youth Bridge Team, exemplifies excellence in the bridge realm. Transitioning out of the youth category, he not only owns the Adelaide Bridge Centre but also passionately competes, making a mark in diverse tournaments. David recently showcased his skills in the 2024 Australian Open Trials, solidifying his reputation as a fantastic ambassador for youth bridge. Following the recent World Youth Team Championships in Veldhoven, Netherlands, David achieved his greatest success with a YES! "went for the bridge, stayed for the engagement." His multifaceted achievements underscore his dedication to both the game and life's memorable moments.

I'm originally from New Zealand and I spent 5 years in Melbourne before moving to Sydney this year. I learned bridge while in first year at university and have never really looked back, playing in as many tournaments as possible for the last almost 20 years. I'm a current member of the Australian Open team, having recently won the playoffs with my bridge partner of 6 years Liam Milne and our teammates.

I've had the pleasure of representing New Zealand and Australia at world championships in the past and I'm looking forward to doing so again. In addition to a fair bit of success in Australian and New Zealand tournaments in the last few years, I had a great international result recently with Liam, finishing 3rd in the prestigious Blue Ribbon Pairs in the USA. I love playing bridge and I love finding creative solutions to things. One of the absolute best parts of our game is that there is often no clear 'right answer', and I find bidding judgement to be one of its most interesting aspects.

Youth bridge was where my interest began and I have so many fond memories of youth events. So all in all I am very pleased to be part of this bidding challenge fundraising initiative.

Ben's bridge journey stared at 10 and despite a brief hiatus during his pursuit of a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence, Ben's return to the bridge scene marked the beginning of a remarkable career. Learning from the esteemed Andrew Mill, he embraced a thinking-centric approach to the game. As part of the Australian U25 team, Ben secured impressive victories and forged lasting friendships.
Balancing a professional career outside of bridge, Ben excelled in consulting and strategy roles. His strategic acumen, honed through bridge, seamlessly transitioned to the business world.

In 2014, facing a personal challenge with cancer, Ben demonstrated resilience, winning the SWPT with unwavering support from teammates. Subsequently, he achieved an 8th place finish in the 2016 World Pairs, showcasing his dedication to excellence. Beyond bridge, Ben's curiosity extends to diverse interests, including language acquisition, with Spanish being his current challenge.

In recent years, Ben's contributions to the bridge community have extended beyond playing. Elected President of the South Pacific Bridge Federation and serving on the WBF Executive Council since 2018, he assumed the role of First Vice President in 2022.