The QLD State Championships were held at the incredible Kedron Wavell Services Club on the 5th of Jan 2008. 440 players turned up having qualified in the top three placings at APL venues all around QLD. The room looked incredible and play was split into two separate heats narrowing each heat down to 120 players wasn't hard and players didn't have to wait for long before getting an opportunity to do battle. The standard of poker was incredible and any player who wins entry to a State Championship really has done something very special. The were some huge hands during the heats like a straight flush to the queen of hearts hit by superstar of APL poker Kevin Kelly. David Rowe from Aspley Leagues Club flopped quad Aces and played them perfectly to get another player to commit all his chips. The two heats were amazed as they watched the 2007 Tournament of Champions and the final 240 players were excited at the prospect of winning a 2008 APL Tournament of Champions seat.
Play was fast and furious with players busting out having taken short stacks into the final. It was the regional players from far north and western QLD that really showed their improved standards as many of their players went deep. With the top 8 players qualifying for APL Tournament of Champions 2008 the action was intense as we got down to the last three tables. Dale Birch from QNW region was having a stroll as he played aggressive poker and managed to chip up and feel a comfortable stroll towards the Wild Turkey final table. Other players like Wayne Saint from QNE/QCN region were short stacked for what seemed like an eternity and survival was the name of the game.
With the blinds increasing it was time to move for a few of our top 16 players and Kathy Wardale won some close races to stay in contention. Ryan Matthews from QBC had what seemed a comfortable chip stack but as payers continued to survive it seemed to dwindle away. Kathy finally busted in 10th and the biggest bubble of QLD APL tournament history was upon us. Hand for hand play saw Peter Cock all in 3 times and surviving with marginal starting hands. Then as Peter survived another all in on his small blind it was Ryan Matthews who was all in on his big blind. It was the first time in the whole event and he got two callers for blind. He was unable to hit the flop and when showdown occurred on the river he had not improved and was eliminated in the dreaded bubble position. Ryan is a magnificent player and this is his third bubble for a Tournament of Champions seat. Let's hope he makes it one day soon. The final table was more of a celebration as the main prize had been won by all but there was still the title of QLD APL State Champion on the line. Dale Birch was by far the most aggressive player on the final table and surmounted what looked like an unstoppable chip lead. It was when play was three handed that things changed with both Wayne Saint and Matthew Toohey putting up an awesome fight, with the chip lead exchanged several times. Wayne ended his fight with an impressive 3rd and the heads up battle was on. 40 minutes of heated battle ended when Matthew Toohey trapped Dale Birch in a pot and took out the championships.
We are already looking forward to the next QLD State Championships to be held at the great Kedron Wavell on April 12th. Top three from every venue gets there plus the regional champion so get to work players and we'll see you on the final table.
The QLD State Championships were held at the incredible Kedron Wavell Services Club on the 5th of Jan 2008. 440 players turned up having qualified in the top three placings at APL venues all around QLD. The room looked incredible and play was split into two separate heats narrowing each heat down to 120 players wasn't hard and players didn't have to wait for long before getting an opportunity to do battle. The standard of poker was incredible and any player who wins entry to a State Championship really has done something very special. The were some huge hands during the heats like a straight flush to the queen of hearts hit by superstar of APL poker Kevin Kelly. David Rowe from Aspley Leagues Club flopped quad Aces and played them perfectly to get another player to commit all his chips. The two heats were amazed as they watched the 2007 Tournament of Champions and the final 240 players were excited at the prospect of winning a 2008 APL Tournament of Champions seat.
