Tony Jackman is one of the best known bridge players in Queensland, and this status is only partly due to his role as bridge correspondent for the Courier Mail. He grew up in Brisbane, was dux of St. Joseph’s College and has been at the very top of players in the state for some decades. He has played with a remarkable array of Queensland’s leading players, and has won most of the state titles for which he is eligible. In addition, he is well known for his extensive activities as a bridge teacher. He formed a playing partnership with Mike Robson in the seventies, which lasted for more than a decade. Among the most notable of his victories were the NSW pairs in 62, the National pairs in 72, and a string of state and Gold Coast titles. One unique achievement of which he is proud is that in 1981, when he won mixed titles at each of Club, State and National level in the one year. Administratively, he has served in many roles for the QBA, and is presently Vice-President. He is also well known for his role as Convener/Chairman of the Gold Coast Congress for many years.
Mike Robson immigrated to Brisbane in 1966, and has been prominent in Queensland bridge ever since. Early on he played with such well-known players as Don Neill and Tom Landy, and then formed a partnership with Tony Jackman in the seventies. They won the National pairs in 1972, and represented Australia in 1973. For the last twenty years or so, his main partner has been Betty Lee. Administratively, he has served as a delegate on the QBA “for more years than he cares to remember.” Some highlights of his career include the following :- he has played for the state side about 26 times and won all the eligible state titles several times, won the Gold coast teams several times, played for the state against two USA touring sides and against Omar Shariff’s touring side, and represented Australia in a in a selected side which played against England and the Chinese Ladies team in 1998.
Tony and Mike presented the trophy for the State Mixed Pairs to the QBA in recognition of previous support from the Association.