World’s number one bridge player suspended after failing drugs test

Drugs were 'not performance enhancing', says president of Norwegian Bridge Federation

Geir Helgemo, a Norwegian who represents Monaco in bridge events, accepted he had breached anti-doping rules (European Bridge League)

The world’s number one bridge player has been suspended after failing a drugs test.

Geir Helgemo, a Norwegian who represents Monaco in bridge events, tested positive for synthetic testosterone and female fertility drug clomifene at a World Bride Series in Orlando in September.

Mr Helgemo was suspended by the World Bridge Foundation (WBF) after accepting he had breached anti-doping rules.

All his titles, medals and points from the 2018 World Bridge Series have also been revoked.

His suspension runs until 20 November.

Kari-Anne Opsal, president of the Norwegian Bridge Federation, said the drugs were “not performance enhancing”.

In a statement on the federation’s website, she said: “Geir Helgemo ... has previously played for the Norwegian national team and is our biggest star.

“Many within the bridge community know Geir and respect him.

“It is his responsibility not to take substances that are on the doping list, even though in this instance they are not performance enhancing in bridge.

“I feel for Geir in this situation and hope he will come back stronger after 20 November, 2019, when his ban ends.”

The World Bridge Federation (WBF) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and as such abides by World Anti-Doping Agency rules.