The Southern Highlands Bridge Club members went up against top players in NSW on May 29 in Sydney, in the annual competition.

Mr Kumar, who is also a member of the NSW Bridge Association State Committee, said they started "in the middle of the field", and was surprised to come out on top with Jenny.

He said their rankings improved as the rounds progressed, and they unknowingly went into the final round in second place.

"There were some pretty tough opponents," he said.

Competitors had to make it through qualifying sessions before they could proceed to the finals.

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Ms Michael and Mr Kumar started initially had their eyes on the State Mixed Pairs Championships, which ran on May 28 alongside the country round, but did not qualify.

They then focused on the country final.

Mr Kumar, who has been playing bridge for more than 45 years, said it was "more than just a game" to him, and considered it "intellectual warfare".

It was also an opportunity to connect with other players across the state.

"It's a very good pulling of people together from up and down the coast," he said.

To learn more about playing bridge in the region, visit the Southern Highlands Bridge Club's website http://www.shbc.bridgeaustralia.org/.

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