Bridge news – World number one banned for doping

Geir Helgemo, a Norwegian who represents Monaco, tested positive for two banned substances – synthetic testosterone and clomifene, a female fertility drug – at a World Bridge Series event in Orland last year.

Although the president of the Norwegian Bridge Federation conceded the drugs were "not performance enhancing", Helgemo has been banned until November 20 and stripped of all titles, medals and points from the 2018 world series.

"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," said Kari-Anne Opsal.

"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."

In 2017, Helgemo and world number two Tor Helness were both convicted of tax fraud.

The World Bridge Federation hoped to get the discipline into the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognising the federation. As such, the WBF abides by World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

Bridge – along with the likes of chess, tug of war and bowls – were snubbed from the Games next summer, but could reapply in the future.