SKYCITY Casino's Pokerzone set the scene for 48 eager APL poker players keen to get their hands on some highly sought after Wild Turkey Poker Classic seats. Many had won their way into the event at the Regency Tavern Pro Open Satellite events held every Sunday whilst others had chosen to buy in on the day. Up for grabs was one WTPC ticket for every 14 players with the difference to be paid out in cash.
The SA APL contingent certainly felt like they were a part of something as they sat down in the prestigious surroundings of the Pokerzone and were dealt to by some of the most experienced Poker dealers in Australia . SkyCity Poker Manager David Galpin and Manager on the day Rich went out of their way to accommodate the cream of the SA APL crop.
In attendance were APL poker heavyweights Craig Ivey - fresh from his fourth place in the National POTM competition and Robert Lark who is known as "Mr Consistent" in SA.
The big man George Apat is never far away from a final table at Special Events and George made the trip into the Casino to try his luck. Skye Jones, who has already won a ticket through POTW and placed 5th in October's POTM competition, would certainly have started at very short money if there were a book being run on final table candidates.
Players were treated to a generous $4000 starting stack with a very relaxed Blind Structure - despite which, the field seemed to produce to some unusually tight play.
Craig Ivey got bumped out of the tournament holding when a pair of 3's tripled up and sent Craig packing. George Apat got knocked out mid way and as usual took his beat well and made haste to the nearest bar.
Skye Jones was able to live up to bookies' expectations to make the final table but could not gain momentum and claim her second WTPC ticket.
Robert Lark was knocked out surprisingly early in the tournament but made himself available to other players for advice and stayed around to 'help' other players progress through the event with words of encouragement.
With three WTPC seats up for grabs the play was extremely tight on the final table and the last four players played for over 1.5 hrs with everyone just checking to the river - as they knew the next person out would go home empty handed.
Regional Managers Glenn Williams and David Wojtowyez were on hand to listen to the bad beats and to console their players and were quite willing to offer advice to players - but their efforts seemed somewhat unappreciated - probably a lot to do with their recent efforts in the Teams Event!!
Intrepid travelers Simon and Michael made the 10hr round trip from Mt Gambier and it paid off - with Michael O'Flaherty winning himself a WTPC ticket. There is no doubt that Mt Gambier TD "Jonesy" will take a bit of credit for that.
Congratulations to Anthony Goldsworthy, Michael O'Flaherty and Russell Gibbie who were the winners of the WTPC seats up for grabs on the day. A special mention must go to Michael Turkin who finished in 4th place and picked up $120. Michael was extremely short stacked when the final four battled it out. He managed to hold on for the 1 1/2 hours it took to decide our three winners.
SKYCITY Casino's Pokerzone set the scene for 48 eager APL poker players keen to get their hands on some highly sought after Wild Turkey Poker Classic seats. Many had won their way into the event at the Regency Tavern Pro Open Satellite events held every Sunday whilst others had chosen to buy in on the day. Up for grabs was one WTPC ticket for every 14 players with the difference to be paid out in cash.
when a pair of 3's tripled up and sent Craig packing. George Apat got knocked out mid way and as usual took his beat well and made haste to the nearest bar.
