India Seniors "B", represented by Hemant K. Jalan, Sukamal Das, Rajesh Dalal, Jitendra Solani, Anil Padhye and Raju Tolani, topped the standings with 36.65 Victory Points (VPs) after three rounds.
Compatriots India Seniors "A" were placed third with 36.38 VPs, while Japan occupied second place with 36.65 VPs. The final standings in the seniors category will be determined after 13 more rounds.
In the men's event, China led the field with 51.65 VPs after three rounds, followed by India "A" on 46.18 VPs. India "B" was placed 13th with 25.95 VPs.
India's women's teams endured a difficult opening day. India "B" occupied seventh place with 24.46 VPs, while India "A" was at the bottom of the 10-team standings. Indonesia led the women's category with 44.52 VPs. Six more rounds remain to be played in the event.
Defending champions Indonesia maintained their dominance in the mixed category, leading with 41.93 VPs. Chinese Taipei was second with 41.54 VPs, followed by China "A" with 40.75 VPs. India "A" was fourth on 40.75 VPs.
The championship, which has attracted nearly 300 players from 16 Asia-Oceania countries, was inaugurated on Sunday by noted industrialist and patron of Indian bridge H.M. Bangur.
Patron of Indian Bridge and industrialist H. M. Bangur declaring the 5th Asia Cup Bridge Championship open at Taj Cidade, Goa, on Sunday. Photo: Organisers
The opening ceremony was attended by World Bridge Federation President Franek Riehm, Bridge Federation of India President Prasad Keni, players, delegates and officials from the World Bridge Federation and the Bridge Federation of India.