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string(2307) "<p><span class=\"mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image\" style=\"display: inline;\"><a href=\"http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly.jpg\"><img alt=\"jp_kelly.jpg\" src=\"http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/jp_kelly-thumb-133x181-104213.jpg\" width=\"133\" height=\"181\" class=\"mt-image-left\" style=\"float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;\" /></a></span><b>by JP Kelly</b><br />
The WCOOP is an exciting time in the online poker community as it is universally thought of as the most prestigious online festival. It is the most innovative, has the biggest prize pools and offers the best structures going allowing the players great value for money and the opportunity to win a life changing sum. And it all kicks off today!</p>
<p>However, to win one of these events, or even making a final table, takes great skill and also a high level of stamina as the tournaments can go on for a very long time. Last year I cashed a lot but found myself failing at the key stages of the events. This year I am going to try and do a number of things to give myself the best chance of winning a highly sought after <a href=\"http://www.wcoop.com\">WCOOP bracelet</a>.</p>
<p>Firstly, I will try to do a fair amount of exercise before hand as this will help with the stamina <br />
issue and hopefully keep the brain active when others are flagging. Together with this trying to maintain a correct sleeping pattern is essential, which means in the UK going to sleep very late and waking up very late.</p>
<p>In terms of actual poker playing I think I need to do some research on who the new faces are in the online tournament (MTT) scene as I have not played as many online tournaments (MTTs) in the past few months as maybe I should have, so to close the gap on these guys I need to be better prepared.</p>
<p>Have fun as it is a great time of year, personally I am most looking forward to the $2,100 6 max PLO event and the $5,200 main event. Good luck for the series.</p>
<p><span class=\"mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image\" style=\"display: inline;\"><img alt=\"ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg\" src=\"http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" class=\"mt-image-center\" style=\"text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;\" /></span></p>"
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string(2307) "<p><span class=\"mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image\" style=\"display: inline;\"><a href=\"http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly.jpg\"><img alt=\"jp_kelly.jpg\" src=\"http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/jp_kelly-thumb-133x181-104213.jpg\" width=\"133\" height=\"181\" class=\"mt-image-left\" style=\"float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;\" /></a></span><b>by JP Kelly</b><br />
The WCOOP is an exciting time in the online poker community as it is universally thought of as the most prestigious online festival. It is the most innovative, has the biggest prize pools and offers the best structures going allowing the players great value for money and the opportunity to win a life changing sum. And it all kicks off today!</p>
<p>However, to win one of these events, or even making a final table, takes great skill and also a high level of stamina as the tournaments can go on for a very long time. Last year I cashed a lot but found myself failing at the key stages of the events. This year I am going to try and do a number of things to give myself the best chance of winning a highly sought after <a href=\"http://www.wcoop.com\">WCOOP bracelet</a>.</p>
<p>Firstly, I will try to do a fair amount of exercise before hand as this will help with the stamina <br />
issue and hopefully keep the brain active when others are flagging. Together with this trying to maintain a correct sleeping pattern is essential, which means in the UK going to sleep very late and waking up very late.</p>
<p>In terms of actual poker playing I think I need to do some research on who the new faces are in the online tournament (MTT) scene as I have not played as many online tournaments (MTTs) in the past few months as maybe I should have, so to close the gap on these guys I need to be better prepared.</p>
<p>Have fun as it is a great time of year, personally I am most looking forward to the $2,100 6 max PLO event and the $5,200 main event. Good luck for the series.</p>
<p><span class=\"mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image\" style=\"display: inline;\"><img alt=\"ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg\" src=\"http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg\" width=\"450\" height=\"300\" class=\"mt-image-center\" style=\"text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;\" /></span></p>"
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string(2271) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly.jpg"><img alt="jp_kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/jp_kelly-thumb-133x181-104213.jpg" width="133" height="181" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by JP Kelly</b><br />
The WCOOP is an exciting time in the online poker community as it is universally thought of as the most prestigious online festival. It is the most innovative, has the biggest prize pools and offers the best structures going allowing the players great value for money and the opportunity to win a life changing sum. And it all kicks off today!</p>
<p>However, to win one of these events, or even making a final table, takes great skill and also a high level of stamina as the tournaments can go on for a very long time. Last year I cashed a lot but found myself failing at the key stages of the events. This year I am going to try and do a number of things to give myself the best chance of winning a highly sought after <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP bracelet</a>.</p>
<p>Firstly, I will try to do a fair amount of exercise before hand as this will help with the stamina <br />
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<p>Have fun as it is a great time of year, personally I am most looking forward to the $2,100 6 max PLO event and the $5,200 main event. Good luck for the series.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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The WCOOP is an exciting time in the online poker community as it is universally thought of as the most prestigious online festival. It is the most innovative, has the biggest prize pools and offers the best structures going allowing the players great value for money and the opportunity to win a life changing sum. And it all kicks off today!</p>
<p>However, to win one of these events, or even making a final table, takes great skill and also a high level of stamina as the tournaments can go on for a very long time. Last year I cashed a lot but found myself failing at the key stages of the events. This year I am going to try and do a number of things to give myself the best chance of winning a highly sought after <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP bracelet</a>.</p>
<p>Firstly, I will try to do a fair amount of exercise before hand as this will help with the stamina <br />
issue and hopefully keep the brain active when others are flagging. Together with this trying to maintain a correct sleeping pattern is essential, which means in the UK going to sleep very late and waking up very late.</p>
<p>In terms of actual poker playing I think I need to do some research on who the new faces are in the online tournament (MTT) scene as I have not played as many online tournaments (MTTs) in the past few months as maybe I should have, so to close the gap on these guys I need to be better prepared.</p>
<p>Have fun as it is a great time of year, personally I am most looking forward to the $2,100 6 max PLO event and the $5,200 main event. Good luck for the series.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(2271) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly.jpg"><img alt="jp_kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/jp_kelly-thumb-133x181-104213.jpg" width="133" height="181" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by JP Kelly</b><br />
The WCOOP is an exciting time in the online poker community as it is universally thought of as the most prestigious online festival. It is the most innovative, has the biggest prize pools and offers the best structures going allowing the players great value for money and the opportunity to win a life changing sum. And it all kicks off today!</p>
<p>However, to win one of these events, or even making a final table, takes great skill and also a high level of stamina as the tournaments can go on for a very long time. Last year I cashed a lot but found myself failing at the key stages of the events. This year I am going to try and do a number of things to give myself the best chance of winning a highly sought after <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP bracelet</a>.</p>
<p>Firstly, I will try to do a fair amount of exercise before hand as this will help with the stamina <br />
issue and hopefully keep the brain active when others are flagging. Together with this trying to maintain a correct sleeping pattern is essential, which means in the UK going to sleep very late and waking up very late.</p>
<p>In terms of actual poker playing I think I need to do some research on who the new faces are in the online tournament (MTT) scene as I have not played as many online tournaments (MTTs) in the past few months as maybe I should have, so to close the gap on these guys I need to be better prepared.</p>
<p>Have fun as it is a great time of year, personally I am most looking forward to the $2,100 6 max PLO event and the $5,200 main event. Good luck for the series.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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[1]=>
array(20) {
["title#"]=>
int(1)
["title"]=>
string(36) "Jason Coe Leads Day 1A In Red Dragon"
["description#"]=>
int(1)
["description"]=>
string(8311) "<div><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></div><div><b>by Fred Leung</b></div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
Macau Poker Cup, hosted by </span><a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerStars Macau</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> at Casino Grand
Lisboa, began Day 1A of the Red Dragon tournament on Friday, September 3. A
healthy field of 135 players entered the first of two Day 1s for Asia's
premiere poker series' main event.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jason
Coe from USA has 112,200 chips to lead the remaining Day 1A field of 41 players
who survive to Day 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_coe.JPG"><img alt="jason_coe.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/jason_coe-thumb-333x443-108454.jpg" width="333" height="443" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Also
making it through to Day 2 include PokerStars sponsored Devan Tang from Hong
Kong with 37,300. Tang was the chip leader for the majority of the 9 levels but
lost over half his stack when his KK couldn't hold up against AT. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">"The
players coming to MPC are getting better but I like it. Going up against pros
like JC Tran brought my game to a higher level." said the former Macau
Poker Cup Championship Main Event winner. "I still think I can win (the
Asia Player of the Year) and just need one big final table and I'm up
there."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">For
End of Day 1A Chip Counts please click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdHRTRlJvbzRIbUUwRDNlZmdkdk9zS3c&hl=en&authkey=CNyepNcH"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Current
Asia Player of the Year (APOY) leader and Team PokerStars Pro Raymond Wu was
eliminated from 1A and could watch his 5-month reign on top of the standings dissapear.
With the Red Dragon likely to award over 2000 points to the winner, the top
50-60 players on the APOY list could potential pass Wu for the number one rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Other
hopefuls that didn't survive the evening include Team PokerStars Pro Celina
Lin, PokerStars sponsored JC Tran and former Red Dragon winner Wing Cheong
Chong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Please
click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> for the 2010 Asia
Player of the Year Leaderboard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B is expected to well exceed 1A in field size and the second flight includes
Team PokerStars Pros Bryan Huang and Taejoon Noh. Other notables are PokerStars
sponsored Nam Le, Quinn Do, Neil Arce, Victor Chen, Justin Chan, and defending
Red Dragon champion Kenichi Takarabe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B begins at 12:10 PM on Saturday, September 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Follow
Live Reporting of the Red Dragon event at </span><a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/2010-macau-poker-cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerNews
Asia</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<!--EndFragment-->
</div>"
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["link"]=>
string(100) "http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pokerstars_macau/2010/jason-coe-leads-day-1a-in-red-dragon-073114.html"
["guid#"]=>
int(1)
["guid"]=>
string(100) "http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pokerstars_macau/2010/jason-coe-leads-day-1a-in-red-dragon-073114.html"
["category#"]=>
int(1)
["category@"]=>
string(6) "domain"
["category@domain"]=>
string(36) "http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag"
["category"]=>
string(15) "Macau Poker Cup"
["pubdate#"]=>
int(1)
["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:07:52 -0800"
["summary#"]=>
int(1)
["summary"]=>
string(8311) "<div><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></div><div><b>by Fred Leung</b></div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
Macau Poker Cup, hosted by </span><a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerStars Macau</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> at Casino Grand
Lisboa, began Day 1A of the Red Dragon tournament on Friday, September 3. A
healthy field of 135 players entered the first of two Day 1s for Asia's
premiere poker series' main event.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jason
Coe from USA has 112,200 chips to lead the remaining Day 1A field of 41 players
who survive to Day 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_coe.JPG"><img alt="jason_coe.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/jason_coe-thumb-333x443-108454.jpg" width="333" height="443" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Also
making it through to Day 2 include PokerStars sponsored Devan Tang from Hong
Kong with 37,300. Tang was the chip leader for the majority of the 9 levels but
lost over half his stack when his KK couldn't hold up against AT. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">"The
players coming to MPC are getting better but I like it. Going up against pros
like JC Tran brought my game to a higher level." said the former Macau
Poker Cup Championship Main Event winner. "I still think I can win (the
Asia Player of the Year) and just need one big final table and I'm up
there."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">For
End of Day 1A Chip Counts please click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdHRTRlJvbzRIbUUwRDNlZmdkdk9zS3c&hl=en&authkey=CNyepNcH"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Current
Asia Player of the Year (APOY) leader and Team PokerStars Pro Raymond Wu was
eliminated from 1A and could watch his 5-month reign on top of the standings dissapear.
With the Red Dragon likely to award over 2000 points to the winner, the top
50-60 players on the APOY list could potential pass Wu for the number one rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Other
hopefuls that didn't survive the evening include Team PokerStars Pro Celina
Lin, PokerStars sponsored JC Tran and former Red Dragon winner Wing Cheong
Chong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Please
click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> for the 2010 Asia
Player of the Year Leaderboard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B is expected to well exceed 1A in field size and the second flight includes
Team PokerStars Pros Bryan Huang and Taejoon Noh. Other notables are PokerStars
sponsored Nam Le, Quinn Do, Neil Arce, Victor Chen, Justin Chan, and defending
Red Dragon champion Kenichi Takarabe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B begins at 12:10 PM on Saturday, September 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Follow
Live Reporting of the Red Dragon event at </span><a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/2010-macau-poker-cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerNews
Asia</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<!--EndFragment-->
</div>"
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string(15) "Macau Poker Cup"
["category@scheme"]=>
string(36) "http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag"
["date_timestamp"]=>
int(1283627272)
}
[2]=>
array(20) {
["title#"]=>
int(1)
["title"]=>
string(34) "WCOOP 2010: A little bit of advice"
["description#"]=>
int(1)
["description"]=>
string(2365) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG"><img alt="celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/05/celina_lin_appt_macau1-thumb-133x188-99102.jpg" width="133" height="188" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Celina Lin</b><br />
<a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP 2010</a> is a date marked down in most poker players' schedule. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, it is essentially the world series of online poker! The buy-ins range from $100-$10,000, so it will suit recreational players to those with a big bankroll.</p>
<p>In the past we have seen many champions like 'Jovial Gent' arise from such series, and become overnight idols on the virtual felt. The WCOOP offers tournaments from 6 max, high rollers, shoot out to turbos, and guaranteed prize pool of $300,000 to $10 Million.</p>
<p>Most poker players nowadays are pretty used to tournament structures, blind levels and antes. The strategy for multi-table tournaments differs depending on your opponents. If your table is limping a lot, you might want to adopt a more aggressive play and isolate pots where you can get it heads up. If players are relatively tight on your table, you might want to see cheap flops and try to set mine and bust players with over pairs.</p>
<p>When the blinds and antes get high, pick your spots to steal blinds constantly, keep putting pressure on short stacks and try a squeeze play if the situation is appropriate. A lucky few may find themselves in short-handed situations on the final table and maybe even heads up play. Most tournament players lack in short-handed and heads-up play because it doesn't happen very often.</p>
<p>WCOOP 2010 will offer everyone a great chance to brush up on multi-table tournament skills, win big and play with Team PokerStars Pros from all over the world. I wish you all the best of luck and may the best win! See you all on the virtual felt.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="mpccday1celina02.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/mpccday1celina02.jpg" width="300" height="446" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
["link#"]=>
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["link"]=>
string(113) "http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/team_pokerstars_blogs/celina_lin/2010/wcoop-2010-a-little-bit-of-advice-073124.html"
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["category@domain"]=>
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["category"]=>
string(10) "WCOOP 2010"
["pubdate#"]=>
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["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:50:45 -0800"
["summary#"]=>
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["summary"]=>
string(2365) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG"><img alt="celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/05/celina_lin_appt_macau1-thumb-133x188-99102.jpg" width="133" height="188" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Celina Lin</b><br />
<a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP 2010</a> is a date marked down in most poker players' schedule. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, it is essentially the world series of online poker! The buy-ins range from $100-$10,000, so it will suit recreational players to those with a big bankroll.</p>
<p>In the past we have seen many champions like 'Jovial Gent' arise from such series, and become overnight idols on the virtual felt. The WCOOP offers tournaments from 6 max, high rollers, shoot out to turbos, and guaranteed prize pool of $300,000 to $10 Million.</p>
<p>Most poker players nowadays are pretty used to tournament structures, blind levels and antes. The strategy for multi-table tournaments differs depending on your opponents. If your table is limping a lot, you might want to adopt a more aggressive play and isolate pots where you can get it heads up. If players are relatively tight on your table, you might want to see cheap flops and try to set mine and bust players with over pairs.</p>
<p>When the blinds and antes get high, pick your spots to steal blinds constantly, keep putting pressure on short stacks and try a squeeze play if the situation is appropriate. A lucky few may find themselves in short-handed situations on the final table and maybe even heads up play. Most tournament players lack in short-handed and heads-up play because it doesn't happen very often.</p>
<p>WCOOP 2010 will offer everyone a great chance to brush up on multi-table tournament skills, win big and play with Team PokerStars Pros from all over the world. I wish you all the best of luck and may the best win! See you all on the virtual felt.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="mpccday1celina02.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/mpccday1celina02.jpg" width="300" height="446" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(2639) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>by Fred Leung</b></p>
<p>PokerStars Macau at Casino Grand Lisboa had a successful opening to the September edition of the Macau Poker Cup (MPC) which runs from September 1-5. The MPC kicked off with 167 players in the $2,000 KO Bounty event which set a record for that tournament. This was particularly impressive considering the T1 typhoon warning delayed travel plans for many players and cancelled flights from Korea. Ironically, it was Korean Jinduk Kim that won the opening preliminary event.</p>
<p>Team PokerStars Pros from Asia are looking good in the side events as Bryan Huang from Singapore placed 7th in the Charity Event which now has him trailing fellow Team Pro, Raymond Wu from Taipei, by only 128 points on the Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard. Huang has been the hottest player in Asia with a win in the PokerStars Macau Emperor Series, runner-up finish in the July's Red Dragon event, and final tables in ANZPT Queenstown and the recent Manila event.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/bryan_mad_mimi.jpg"><img alt="bryan_mad_mimi.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/bryan_mad_mimi-thumb-335x374-108356.jpg" width="335" height="374" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></p>
<p>Team Pro Tae Joon Noh from Korea leads the remaining 19-player field heading into the $3,000 NLH - Day 2 final and is joined by China's Celina Lin. </p>
<p>Please click <A href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en">HERE</a> for the 2010 Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard.</p>
<p>It appears as though weather won't affect Asia's premiere poker series as the PokerStars Macau poker room is buzzing with players. Friday's Deepstack event set its own record with 186 players and all signs point towards another big Red Dragon main event which begins Day 1A at 8:10 PM later in the evening.</p>
<p>Players can still qualify to the Red Dragon $2,000,000 Guarantee event at PokerStars Macau.</p>
<p>For complete Macau Poker Cup schedule please click <a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/">HERE</a></p>
<p>Live reporting of the Red Dragon event is available at <a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/">Poker News Asia</a></p>"
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string(2639) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>by Fred Leung</b></p>
<p>PokerStars Macau at Casino Grand Lisboa had a successful opening to the September edition of the Macau Poker Cup (MPC) which runs from September 1-5. The MPC kicked off with 167 players in the $2,000 KO Bounty event which set a record for that tournament. This was particularly impressive considering the T1 typhoon warning delayed travel plans for many players and cancelled flights from Korea. Ironically, it was Korean Jinduk Kim that won the opening preliminary event.</p>
<p>Team PokerStars Pros from Asia are looking good in the side events as Bryan Huang from Singapore placed 7th in the Charity Event which now has him trailing fellow Team Pro, Raymond Wu from Taipei, by only 128 points on the Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard. Huang has been the hottest player in Asia with a win in the PokerStars Macau Emperor Series, runner-up finish in the July's Red Dragon event, and final tables in ANZPT Queenstown and the recent Manila event.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/bryan_mad_mimi.jpg"><img alt="bryan_mad_mimi.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/bryan_mad_mimi-thumb-335x374-108356.jpg" width="335" height="374" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></p>
<p>Team Pro Tae Joon Noh from Korea leads the remaining 19-player field heading into the $3,000 NLH - Day 2 final and is joined by China's Celina Lin. </p>
<p>Please click <A href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en">HERE</a> for the 2010 Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard.</p>
<p>It appears as though weather won't affect Asia's premiere poker series as the PokerStars Macau poker room is buzzing with players. Friday's Deepstack event set its own record with 186 players and all signs point towards another big Red Dragon main event which begins Day 1A at 8:10 PM later in the evening.</p>
<p>Players can still qualify to the Red Dragon $2,000,000 Guarantee event at PokerStars Macau.</p>
<p>For complete Macau Poker Cup schedule please click <a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/">HERE</a></p>
<p>Live reporting of the Red Dragon event is available at <a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/">Poker News Asia</a></p>"
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string(43) "WCOOP 2010: Looking to win another bracelet"
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string(2199) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg"><img alt="ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop-thumb-130x190-102518.jpg" width="130" height="190" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Ruben Visser</b><br />
With the WSOP behind us, all poker players look forward to the start of the biggest online tournament series of the year: the World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP). Since 2002, every September PokerStars is the place to be for tournament lovers. With tournaments in every variant of the game, buy-ins starting as low as $109, and countless satellites to the tournaments, the WCOOP offers an incredible chance for everyone to compete for the gold bracelets awarded to the winner. Oh, and let's not forget the staggering prize pools with over $50 million guaranteed spread across 62 tournaments.</p>
<p>For me personally, the start of the WCOOP brings back some amazing memories. Back in 2008, when I was too young to even play live in the US, I managed to beat a field of over 3,000 players to win my very own bracelet and over $135,000. A great night and something to always remember. This year I hope to be able to final table another event, hopefully even the WCOOP Main Event which has a staggering $10 million guaranteed price pool, but there are countless tournaments in the schedule that I am excited about.</p>
<p>If the buy-ins are a bit too high for you to buy-in directly, I would recommend trying your luck in the cash and FPP satellites as the WCOOP is your chance to play with the best, or maybe even prove you are the best! </p>
<p>Looking forward to see you at the tables, and check out more on the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(2199) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg"><img alt="ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop-thumb-130x190-102518.jpg" width="130" height="190" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Ruben Visser</b><br />
With the WSOP behind us, all poker players look forward to the start of the biggest online tournament series of the year: the World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP). Since 2002, every September PokerStars is the place to be for tournament lovers. With tournaments in every variant of the game, buy-ins starting as low as $109, and countless satellites to the tournaments, the WCOOP offers an incredible chance for everyone to compete for the gold bracelets awarded to the winner. Oh, and let's not forget the staggering prize pools with over $50 million guaranteed spread across 62 tournaments.</p>
<p>For me personally, the start of the WCOOP brings back some amazing memories. Back in 2008, when I was too young to even play live in the US, I managed to beat a field of over 3,000 players to win my very own bracelet and over $135,000. A great night and something to always remember. This year I hope to be able to final table another event, hopefully even the WCOOP Main Event which has a staggering $10 million guaranteed price pool, but there are countless tournaments in the schedule that I am excited about.</p>
<p>If the buy-ins are a bit too high for you to buy-in directly, I would recommend trying your luck in the cash and FPP satellites as the WCOOP is your chance to play with the best, or maybe even prove you are the best! </p>
<p>Looking forward to see you at the tables, and check out more on the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(56) "EPT Vilamoura: Toby Lewis crowned new Prince of Portugal"
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string(9225) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p>Expectations were high when we touched down in Vilamoura last Friday. The weatherman forecast glorious sun, the hotel promised brand new views and freshly grouted luxury, and the European Poker Tour promised a week of poker better than any Portugal had ever witnessed before. We got all three.</p>
<p>Tonight, as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, Toby Lewis is the newest winner on the world's best poker tour, victorious tonight after a fiercely contested final table, and now €467,835 richer. </p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_cup.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_cup.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>EPT Vilamoura winner Toby Lewis</i></center><br></p>
<p>It came after eight hours of first-rate poker, at a table that featured former poker champions, former football stars and several of those enigmatic newcomers you predict will stick around and make names for themselves.</p>
<p>The likes of Jacobson, Trickett and Lee are among that bunch. Each arrived today intent on winning EPT silverware and all could have done so if things, tiny details, had gone their way. Instead, it's the 20-year-old from Southampton, who takes the glory, ahead of Martin Jacobson, his worthy adversary, having quietly obliterated the opposition.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>Never one to say something when dead silence would do, Lewis showed confidence beyond his years to breeze through the day. He arrived with the narrowest of leads but finished with the lot. Heads-up Lewis began to excel, undaunted by his chip disadvantage, he soon wrestled control of the final, retaking the lead, and then regrouping when Jacobson brought things back to all square, ultimately securing the win. </p>
<p>"Martin lost a big pot to me in the middle of day two and it didn't faze him at all," said Lewis. "He's a really good player and he doesn't make big mistakes. I knew he'd be hard to beat and that I'd have to cold deck him like I did in the final hand."</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="finalists_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/finalists_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The finalists</i></center><br>
<p>Eight hours ago the first question on some people's minds, albeit British ones, was how would the English perform? Three Englanders had reached the final, the first time that had happened since EPT Dublin in season three. Some were cynical enough to predict failure for Albion. Not so the dozen Brits on the rail, intent on celebrating each Lewis, Trickett or Sheringham victory, with the ceremonial hoisting aloft of a fresh beer.</p>
<p>It wasn't just the British out in force for Sheringham. The former England and Manchester United star is known beyond British borders for his exploits on the football field. He made a career best fifth place finish today worth €93,120.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Sam Trickett became the poster boy for bad luck, his surname becoming synonymous with the phrase "running bad". Trickett was quick to engage in a campaign of attrition against his opponents while getting a day long massage. </p>
<p>First he spoiled any hope of a first double EPT winner by consistently beating short stacked Rob Hollink around the head with raises until the Dutchman could wait no longer and departed in seventh, behind eighth place local hero Sergio Coutinho and before Frederick Jensen in sixth.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett then took it upon himself to take on anyone who dared shove, but while invariably ahead on the showdown he would be left with the worst of it on Fifth Street. It cost him greatly, and then some more, until his Vilamoura campaign ran out of pluck in fourth. </p>
<p>Closely behind him followed young American Jason Lee, cheered all the way by a slightly more modest rail of Annette Obrestad and Scott Montgomery. Lee defied his dislike for long haul flights to play only his second EPT. The decision to fly was a good one, worth €186,240 to the 25-year-old, who busted in third. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p>A final hat tip to Martin Jacobson (engage the roller coaster cliché now and press go). The Swede soared high yesterday before plunging into the depths, reaching the final table with just 441,000, a shadow of his former stack that had once dominated the tournament room horizon. Yet the Swede turned that disadvantage into a strength, coming back powerfully and almost making it the most memorable rally of all. A mighty performance that should not be forgotten amid English celebrations.</p>
<p>The final result:</p>
<p>1. Toby Lewis, United Kingdom, PokerStars player, €467,835<br />
2. Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier, €297,984<br />
3. Jason Lee, United States, PokerStars qualifier, €186,240<br />
4. Sam Trickett, United Kingdom, €139,680<br />
5. Teddy Sheringham, Friend of PokerStars, UK, €93,120<br />
6. Frederick Jensen, PokerStars player, Denmark, €74,496<br />
7. Rob Hollink, Holland, €55,872<br />
8. Sergio Coutinho, Portugal, €37,248</p>
<p>It proved one of the best finals for some time on the EPT, a tenth British winner, continuing the tradition of at least one British winner in each EPT season. It's certainly worth looking back on at any of the links below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-profiles-073047.html">Final table profiles</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-23-updat-073048.html">Level 23 & 24 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-25-updat-073061.html">Level 25, 26, 27 & 28 updates</a></p>
<p>That brings our EPT Vilamoura coverage to a close. Thanks for joining us on the Algarve this week and our congratulations go to winner Toby Lewis, currently being mugged, hugged and beered by his emotionally whooped up friends.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis with his rail, including Daniel Negreanu</center></i><p></p>
<p>If you'd prefer this in another language, or you're an English speaker sick of the soon to be short-lived 10-win patriotism, you can find coverage of the day in <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.de">five-wins-German</a>, only <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.nl">four-wins-Dutch</a>, <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pt">two-win-Portuguese</a> and <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.it">one-win-Italian</a>. Our thanks also to our photographer Neil Stoddart who battled legal restraint to take the pictures this week, and never once faltered in the face of some truly striking MS Paint work on our part.</p>
<p>That's all from us. Next stop London at the end of September where we'll swap sun and heat for damp and exhaust fumes. You won't want to miss it. See you there.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="beach.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/beach.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The beach, earlier. It's now dark</i></center><br>"
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string(9225) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p>Expectations were high when we touched down in Vilamoura last Friday. The weatherman forecast glorious sun, the hotel promised brand new views and freshly grouted luxury, and the European Poker Tour promised a week of poker better than any Portugal had ever witnessed before. We got all three.</p>
<p>Tonight, as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, Toby Lewis is the newest winner on the world's best poker tour, victorious tonight after a fiercely contested final table, and now €467,835 richer. </p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_cup.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_cup.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>EPT Vilamoura winner Toby Lewis</i></center><br></p>
<p>It came after eight hours of first-rate poker, at a table that featured former poker champions, former football stars and several of those enigmatic newcomers you predict will stick around and make names for themselves.</p>
<p>The likes of Jacobson, Trickett and Lee are among that bunch. Each arrived today intent on winning EPT silverware and all could have done so if things, tiny details, had gone their way. Instead, it's the 20-year-old from Southampton, who takes the glory, ahead of Martin Jacobson, his worthy adversary, having quietly obliterated the opposition.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>Never one to say something when dead silence would do, Lewis showed confidence beyond his years to breeze through the day. He arrived with the narrowest of leads but finished with the lot. Heads-up Lewis began to excel, undaunted by his chip disadvantage, he soon wrestled control of the final, retaking the lead, and then regrouping when Jacobson brought things back to all square, ultimately securing the win. </p>
<p>"Martin lost a big pot to me in the middle of day two and it didn't faze him at all," said Lewis. "He's a really good player and he doesn't make big mistakes. I knew he'd be hard to beat and that I'd have to cold deck him like I did in the final hand."</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="finalists_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/finalists_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The finalists</i></center><br>
<p>Eight hours ago the first question on some people's minds, albeit British ones, was how would the English perform? Three Englanders had reached the final, the first time that had happened since EPT Dublin in season three. Some were cynical enough to predict failure for Albion. Not so the dozen Brits on the rail, intent on celebrating each Lewis, Trickett or Sheringham victory, with the ceremonial hoisting aloft of a fresh beer.</p>
<p>It wasn't just the British out in force for Sheringham. The former England and Manchester United star is known beyond British borders for his exploits on the football field. He made a career best fifth place finish today worth €93,120.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Sam Trickett became the poster boy for bad luck, his surname becoming synonymous with the phrase "running bad". Trickett was quick to engage in a campaign of attrition against his opponents while getting a day long massage. </p>
<p>First he spoiled any hope of a first double EPT winner by consistently beating short stacked Rob Hollink around the head with raises until the Dutchman could wait no longer and departed in seventh, behind eighth place local hero Sergio Coutinho and before Frederick Jensen in sixth.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett then took it upon himself to take on anyone who dared shove, but while invariably ahead on the showdown he would be left with the worst of it on Fifth Street. It cost him greatly, and then some more, until his Vilamoura campaign ran out of pluck in fourth. </p>
<p>Closely behind him followed young American Jason Lee, cheered all the way by a slightly more modest rail of Annette Obrestad and Scott Montgomery. Lee defied his dislike for long haul flights to play only his second EPT. The decision to fly was a good one, worth €186,240 to the 25-year-old, who busted in third. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p>A final hat tip to Martin Jacobson (engage the roller coaster cliché now and press go). The Swede soared high yesterday before plunging into the depths, reaching the final table with just 441,000, a shadow of his former stack that had once dominated the tournament room horizon. Yet the Swede turned that disadvantage into a strength, coming back powerfully and almost making it the most memorable rally of all. A mighty performance that should not be forgotten amid English celebrations.</p>
<p>The final result:</p>
<p>1. Toby Lewis, United Kingdom, PokerStars player, €467,835<br />
2. Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier, €297,984<br />
3. Jason Lee, United States, PokerStars qualifier, €186,240<br />
4. Sam Trickett, United Kingdom, €139,680<br />
5. Teddy Sheringham, Friend of PokerStars, UK, €93,120<br />
6. Frederick Jensen, PokerStars player, Denmark, €74,496<br />
7. Rob Hollink, Holland, €55,872<br />
8. Sergio Coutinho, Portugal, €37,248</p>
<p>It proved one of the best finals for some time on the EPT, a tenth British winner, continuing the tradition of at least one British winner in each EPT season. It's certainly worth looking back on at any of the links below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-profiles-073047.html">Final table profiles</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-23-updat-073048.html">Level 23 & 24 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-25-updat-073061.html">Level 25, 26, 27 & 28 updates</a></p>
<p>That brings our EPT Vilamoura coverage to a close. Thanks for joining us on the Algarve this week and our congratulations go to winner Toby Lewis, currently being mugged, hugged and beered by his emotionally whooped up friends.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis with his rail, including Daniel Negreanu</center></i><p></p>
<p>If you'd prefer this in another language, or you're an English speaker sick of the soon to be short-lived 10-win patriotism, you can find coverage of the day in <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.de">five-wins-German</a>, only <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.nl">four-wins-Dutch</a>, <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pt">two-win-Portuguese</a> and <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.it">one-win-Italian</a>. Our thanks also to our photographer Neil Stoddart who battled legal restraint to take the pictures this week, and never once faltered in the face of some truly striking MS Paint work on our part.</p>
<p>That's all from us. Next stop London at the end of September where we'll swap sun and heat for damp and exhaust fumes. You won't want to miss it. See you there.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="beach.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/beach.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The beach, earlier. It's now dark</i></center><br>"
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string(1516) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>In just a matter of days, PokerStars will be kicking off the ninth annual <A href="http://www.wcoop.com">World Championship of Online Poker</a>. If you're bankroll needs an extra little boost going into the big month of tournaments, the world's biggest online poker site is ready to offer some help. </p>
<p>Between now and the end of the day on September 11, your deposits will earn you a reload bonus of up to $100 (or the equivalent in €, £ or Canadian $). All you do is reload your account with the bonus code 'WCOOP' and you'll receive 20% of the value of your deposit as a pending bonus.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="wcoop_reload.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/wcoop_reload.jpg" width="266" height="254" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>
<p>After that, you'll have to earn the rest of it by racking up some VIP Player Points, and it's not too tough to do that. </p>
<p>There are some details you'll want to know before depositing, so for all the information you will need, check out the <a href="http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/promotions/bonus/wcoop/">WCOOP reload bonus</a> page.</p>
<p>Good luck in WCOOP!</p>"
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<p>Between now and the end of the day on September 11, your deposits will earn you a reload bonus of up to $100 (or the equivalent in €, £ or Canadian $). All you do is reload your account with the bonus code 'WCOOP' and you'll receive 20% of the value of your deposit as a pending bonus.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="wcoop_reload.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/wcoop_reload.jpg" width="266" height="254" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>
<p>After that, you'll have to earn the rest of it by racking up some VIP Player Points, and it's not too tough to do that. </p>
<p>There are some details you'll want to know before depositing, so for all the information you will need, check out the <a href="http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/promotions/bonus/wcoop/">WCOOP reload bonus</a> page.</p>
<p>Good luck in WCOOP!</p>"
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string(72) "EPT Vilamoura: Final table level 25, 26, 27 & 28 updates (40,000-80,000)"
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string(23234) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>Lewis fades two outs for the title</b><br />
These two young aggressive players didn't want to hang around and the shortening of the levels proved that. It took around four hands of this level before we had the second all-in of this heads-up battle. Lewis raised to 160,000 from the button and was called by Jacobson to go to the [ac][9h][ts] flop where the action went check-check. </p>
<p>The fireworks were soon let off though on the [5s] turn as the Swede led for 180,000 only to be raised to 525,000. Jacobson put another raise in making it 1,025,000 but he was soon under pressure when Lewis bumped it up to 2,025,000. Jacobson really thought hard now as he had 4,250,000 behind so knew he was playing for his tournament right here if he was to continue in the hand. He decided his holding was that strong and moved all in. CALL!</p>
<p>Jacobson; [9d][5d]<br />
Lewis: [5c][5h]</p>
<p>Jacobson only had two nines in the deck to hit and one chance to hit. The river came [tc] to send the pot Lewis's way along with the title. His supporters on the rail, all a little bit inebriated by now, swarmed him to give him big hugs. One close friend, Chris Brammer was even reduced to tears.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Toby Lewis for a patient and well timed assault of this most enjoyable final table. Also well played to Martin Jacobson for nearly ruining the British party with a great performance. -- MC </p>
<p><br />
<b>8.03pm: Toby Lewis wins EPT Vilamoura</b><br />
Details to follow. Lewis gets €467,835 for first place while Martin Jacobson receives €297,984. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.55pm: And here we go again</b><br />
Cards are back in the air again. Word has come back that the players have agreed to move to 30-minute levels rather than the full one hour. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.40pm: Break</b><br />
The heads up combatants are taking a 15-minute break. The table is finely balanced with Lewis holding a slither of a lead but to all extents and purposes the pair are evenly matched. It could go either way. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.35pm: Nearly even stevens</b><br />
Jacobson is almost back to even with Lewis after forcing him off a pot. The Swede raised to 125,000 from the button and called Lewis' 385,000 three-bet from the BB. Lewis led for 435,000 on the [js][7h][3c] flop but check-folded to the heavily breathing Jacobson and his 950,000 bet on the [8s] turn. -- MC </p>
<p><b>7.30pm: Lewis making dents again</b><br />
After doubling up Martin Jacobson a short while ago, Toby Lewis is setting about extending his lead once more. First he bet 125,000 and Jacobson called to see a [6s][kc][3d] flop. Lewis then bet 150,000 and that was enough to take it.</p>
<p>Next hand Jacobson made it 125,000 then folded when Lewis fired it up to 385,000. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.22pm: It's on!</b><br />
Jacobson raised to 125,00 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000 and Jacobson moved all-in for 2,350,000. Lewis called. </p>
<p>Lewis: [ac][8d]<br />
Jacobson: [7s][7h]</p>
<p>A coin flip for the EPT title and Lewis looked like he was holding a lot of emotion as the rail came streaming in towards the table shouting for an ace. No ace on the [jh][ks][3h] flop. No ace or eight on the [jd] turn either. "King," screamed the rail and Jacobson allowed himself a smile. The [4d] fell on the river and Jacobson doubled up to 4,700,000. Lewis has the lead with 6,800,000. So close for Lewis who will have to reset and regroup. -- RD</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilamoura_final table_martin jacobson.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_6644_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson: back from the brink</center></i><p></p>
<p><br />
<b>7.15pm: Nice one for Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis has extended his lead once more. He made it 125,000 and Martin Jacobson called. The flop was [3c][ah][kc] and Jacobson check-called Lewis' 125,000 bet. On the [qd] river, Jacobson check-called 425,000 before both checked the [4s] river. Jacobson had [as][2c] but Lewis had him out-pipped with [ad][5h].</p>
<p>Jacobson has slipped back to 2.8million while Lewis has approaching 8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.10pm: The calm after the storm?</b><br />
Things have slowed down a little bit here after Lewis' triple-barrelling. There has been a couple of raise and takes and the odd open fold too. There's been one flop but that was quickly bet by Lewis who took the pot down. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.05pm: Lewis speeds up</b><br />
Lewis three-barreled out of position and it did the trick. He called a Jacobson 125,000 button raise before he led for 150,000 on the [8s][2d][jc] flop. Jacobson called and then called a 375,000 bet on the [4c] turn. The river came [9s] and there was no slowing down Lewis who fired 475,000 into the middle. Jacobson gave it a minute's thought before sliding his cards into the muck. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.55pm: Jacobson gets some back</b><br />
After a couple of raise and takes Jacobson raised from the small blind to 150,000 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000. Jacobson made the call. Lewis led the [th][9h][kc] flop for 400,000 and Jacobson decided to move all-in. Lewis passed. It's a significant and vital chip swing for Jacobson. Lewis still in the lead. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.50pm: All quiet</b><br />
We've seen no flops since the post below. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.44pm: Jacobson stops the leak</b><br />
Martin Jacobson has taken down his first pot in a while. He raised to 100,000 and then tank-called when Lewis three-bet to 385,000. The flop came [4h][kd][ts] and the play went check-check. Lewis also checked the [ks] turn and folded when his opponent fired 425,000 at the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>6.40pm: More for Lewis</b><br />
The Brit Toby Lewis is piling on the aggression. For the third time in a row Martin Jacobson made it 125,000, but instead of folding like the first two times, Lewis re-raised to 385,000 total. Jacobson was not done yet, making it 775,000. Things were tense as Lewis went over his options - he decided to move all-in, and Jacobson insta-mucked.</p>
<p>Right now it's Lewis on around 8.7 million and Jacobson on 2.8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.35pm: Big pot alert</b><br />
Lewis was on the small blind and raised it up to 150,000 and Jacobson called. The Swede checked the [8d][7s][4d] flop and Lewis bet another 150,000. Jacobson raised to 375,000 and Lewis made the call. The turn was the [6d], an action card to say the least as it completed flush and straight draws. Jacobson led into it for 525,000 and Lewis quietly announced that he was all-in. Jacobson didn't need to think for long before he passed. Lewis has a 3-1 chip lead now. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.27pm: Two small pots for Sweden</b><br />
Jacobson has taken down two small pots in a row. In the first hand he raised to 125,000 and Lewis called before check-folding to a 150,000 bet on the [qh][6c][3h] flop. The next hand Lewis raised to 125,000 from the button but folded to a Jacobson 310,000 three-bet. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.21pm: First one to Lewis</b><br />
Back from the break and Toby Lewis raised first hand to 125,000, called by Martin Jacobson. Both checked the [3s][jc][ah] flop, and on the [8d] turn Lewis called Jacobson's 150,000 bet. Both then checked the [5s] river and Lewis' [7h][8s] was good enough to take it. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.18pm: Get ready</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Martin Jacobson are heading back to their seats. Blinds will now be 30,000-60,000</p>
<p><b>6.07pm: Lewis wins another big one</b><br />
Lewis min-raised to 100,00 from the small blind and Jacobson made it 250,000 from the big blind. Lewis called. Jacobson led the [5h][2d][kd] flop for 325,000. Lewis called. Jacobson bet another 725,000 on the [js] turn. Lewis called again. The [3h] dropped on the river and neither player wanted to take things any further. Lewis showed [kc][th] to take the pot and lengthen his chip lead. The stacks are around 4,485,000 for Jacobson and 7,050,000 for Lewis. </p>
<p>The players are taking a well-earned 15-minute break. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.02pm: Little movement</b><br />
They're trading small blows at the moment. Twice Toby Lewis has raised to 100,000 and got a call from Martin Jacobson. On the first one Lewis bet 125,000 on the [kh][jc][ad] flop and got a fold. The second went on a little longer - both checked the [qh][qd][4c] flop, but on the [7c] turn Jacobson made it 100,000 and Lewis called. Jacobson then slowed down to a check on the [3d] river, then folded when Lewis reached for 300,000 chips. -- SY</p>
<p><b>5.55pm: Lewis edges into chip lead</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just moved into the chip lead after winning a sizable pot without a showdown. He raised to 100,000 from the button and Jacobson called for a [6c][ks][4c] flop where he check-called a 135,000 bet. The turn came [5h] and Jacobson check-called a 300,000 bet. Jacobson checked the [9h] river and the Brit really upped the pressure with a 1,175,000 bet. Jacobson thought and studied his opponent who was looking into the distance before folding. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.50pm: Lewis clawing back chips</b><br />
Jacobson raised from the small blind to 105,000 and Lewis called in the big. Both players checked the [9h][td][7h] flop before Lewis led the [5c] turn for 120,000. The [6h] river completed the two major draws and Lewis pushed forward another 250,000. Jacobson didn't think long before opting to pass. Lewis is up to 5,125,000 and Jacobson slides to 6,350,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>5.45pm: No show</b><br />
On a flop of [td][jc][ah] Jacobson bet 130,000 which Lewis called for a [4d] turn. Again, Jacobson bet, making it 300,000 this time, which Lewis called for a [3d] river. Both checked, Jacobson mucking before Lewis had shown. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.40pm: Chip counts at the beginning of heads-up play</b><br />
Martin Jacobson - 7,075,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,405,000</p>
<p><b>5.38pm: We're heads-up</b><br />
Three-handed play didn't last long with the elimination of Jason Lee in third. He open shoved for just under one million chips and was snap-called by Martin Jacobson in the BB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Jacobson: [ac][td]<br />
Lee: [ah][5h]</p>
<p>The board ran [3c][4s][9d][ts][js]. Lee said he card dead all day and he had a horrible seat draw today with the uber-aggressive Trickett to his left. His final table started after Trickett departed but things didn't work out for him. €186,240 should soften the blow somewhat. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.35pm: Lee not leaving</b><br />
Jason Lee just moved all-in for 965,000. Lewis folded by Jacobson went into the tank, thinking, moving chips around and eventually folding. Lee still alive. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.20pm: Pre-flop battle</b><br />
The two chip leaders just battled in a pre-flop raising war. Toby Lewis raised to 135,000 from the SB to face a three-bet to 300,000 from Martin Jacobson. Lewis' response was to four-bet to 660,000 and after a lot of though the Swedish chip leader folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.15pm: Trickett out of here</b><br />
In the end it seemed the most humane outcome. Sam Trickett's final table suffering had gone on for so long that his own elimination can only come as gentle relief. That's not true of course and Trickett looked devastated as he shook hands a few moments ago, eliminated by Martin Jacobson after an afternoon spent trying to catch a break.</p>
<p>All in after all-in was called by Trickett, who more often than not was ahead on showdown, only to be behind when it mattered. So when Toby Lewis opened for 110,000 under the gun and Martin Jacobson raised to 265,000 from the button, Trickett saw his chance and pushed all in for just short of 1,400,000. </p>
<p>Lewis folded quickly but Jacobson was going nowhere, asking for a count, looking again at his cards, pulling out towards of orange chips from around the back ready to push in. After confirming that it was 1,105,000 to call his did so, turning over [qh][jh] to Trickett's [2h][2s]. </p>
<p>"I got it," said Trickett to friends on the rail with some good British irony. "I got it, I got the deuces." Jacobson came to shake hands and they both awaited the board. [jd][5h][8h][3c][4s]. Jacobson had been ahead on the flop and never looked back. Trickett out, Jacobson up to more than 5.5 million. Down to three players. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.05pm: Sheringham eliminated in 5th place (€93,120)</b><br />
Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has been eliminated in 5th place by the recent Swedish force known as Martin Jacobson. The former footballer raised to 125,000 from under-the-gun and was called by Jacobson to see a [ks][9d][th] flop. The action went check-check before Sheringham led for 275,000 on the [9h] turn. Jacobson raised to 590,000 and then snap-called when his Sheringham moved all-in.</p>
<p>Sheringham tabled [kc][qc] for two-pair but Jacobson had a straight with [qs][jc]. The river blanked with a [3s] and Sheringham left to an almighty round of applause. Jacobson regains the chip lead he held yesterday with 4.9 million. -- MC </p>
<p><b>4.55pm: Jacobson hits Trickett hard</b><br />
Martin Jacobson opened from the hi-jack to 110,000 and was called by Sam Trickett on the button. The Swede led for 140,000 on the [2h][9h][3d] flop and Trickett called. Jacobson bet another 270,000 as the flush appeared on the [7h] turn and Trickett called again. The four-flush and paired board materialised on the river with the [3h] and Jacobson bet 510,000. Trickett called and was shown the nut flush with [ah][kh]. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.50pm: Play re-starts</b><br />
With an armed, dismounted mounted police officer patrolling the smoking area, the players have returned for level 26. </p>
<p><b>4.40pm: Chip counts at the break</b></p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,490,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,350,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 1,850,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,215,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 2,615,000</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 25,000-50,000, ANTE 5,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>4.36pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are on another 15 minute break.</p>
<p><b>4.35pm: Lewis picking up the pace</b><br />
Lewis seemed to have picked up the pace a little bit towards the end of the level, winning a few hands with simple 90,000 raises pre-flop. That's what happened on the last hand before a 15-minute break was announced. When the players return the blinds will be a huge 25,000-50,000, 5,000 ante. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.30pm: Trickett wins big pot......</b><br />
....without showdown. Sam Trickett has got a lot of those lost chips back after forcing a fold from Martin Jacobson. Trickett raised to 80,000 from early position and was called by the Swede from the BB. Jacobson check-called a 125,000 bet on the [2h][3s][8d] flop and 325,000 on the [4s] turn. The river came [jc] and Trickett <i>emptied the clip</i> with a 625,000 bet when it was checked to him again. Jacobson tank-folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>4.25pm: Trickett can't win a showdown</b><br />
You can tell Sam Trickett is trying to shrug off the frustration of this final table. He just can't win a showdown after getting it in pre-flop and this last one was the worst. Jason Lee shoved [as][2c] from the cut-off and Trickett moved all-in behind him from the button with [ah][kd]. The flop instantly put Lee ahead on the [ad][2c][qd] flop but the [4d] turn gave Trickett plenty of outs to get back in front; any four, queen, king or diamond. None of them came and Lee is back up to over one million. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.20pm: In the blinds</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 105,000 in the small blind. Martin Jacobson was waiting in the big and called for a [5d][8d][4h] flop. Lewis then bet 130,000 and Jacobson made it 140,000 more. Good enough to force Lewis to fold. -- SB</p>
<p><b>4.15pm: Can't win a show-down</b><br />
Sam Trickett has been the most active player at this final table and has easily won the most pots without showdown. The poor guy just can't win an all-in showdown, though, no matter how hard he tries or how far he's ahead. The latest player to double through the Brit is Swedish representative Martin Jacobson.</p>
<p>Jacobson raised to 80,000 to see Trickett three-bet to 200,000 from the SB which was exactly the same action as one orbit ago. The last time Jacobson folded but this time he moved all-in for 1,132,000. Trickett called quickly to create a showdown:<br />
<br />
Trickett: [jd][js]<br />
Jacobson: [qd][jc]</p>
<p>"Ive got to win one of these" said Trickett before the board ran [5d][2d][6d][ad][5h]. Maybe not then! Trickett down to 2.3 million. --MC</p>
<p><b>4.09pm: Four million</b><br />
Jason Lee opened for 80,000 from the button which Sam Trickett called in the small blind. Trickett is playing well and has to, as I suspect he'll need a top three finish to pay his massage bill. On a flop of [kd][2s][5h] both checked for a [4h] turn card. Trickett then bet 125,000 which Lee called for a [4d] river card. Another 500,000 from Trickett this time which Lee went on to call. We never saw his cards though. Trickett showed [ks][qs] to win the hand and move up to nearly 4 million. Lee down to just 700,000. -- SB</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_d5.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_d5.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p><b>4.07pm: Rail to get louder</b><br />
The British rail is about to get a little noisier. All those cheering on Toby Lewis/Sam Trickett/Teddy Sheringham have now taken delivery of large beers (previously they were content with smaller bottles). -- SY</p>
<p><b>4.05pm: Sheringham playing snug</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham has been playing a calm and composed tournament and it doesn't look like he's going to change that to make any major mistakes in this five-handed action. Jason Lee opened to 84,000 from the button and Sheringham passed in the big blind. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.03pm: Three-way action</b><br />
Jason Lee opened the action from the hijack to 85,000 (for the second hand on the bounce) and was called by Sam Trickett and Martin Jacobson. The Swede checked as did Lee and Trickett took down the [tc][8d][8s] flop with a 150,000 bet. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4pm: Football fan </b><br />
I doubt there's any kind of metagame attached to it but Martin Jacobson has just said to Sheringham: "You used to play for my favorite football team... two years before I was born." Sheringham quickly clicked the Swede was talking about Djurgårdens IF a team that he went on loan to in 1985 (playing 21 times and scoring 13 goals). "Good club," replied Sheringham. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.52pm: Anglo tension</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 90,000 which Sheringham folded to in the small blind but Toby Lewis called in the big. The flop came [3d][8h][9s] and Lewis bet 110,000 which Trickett called without ceremony. They both checked the [9h] turn and did the same for the [jd] river. Trickett showed [as][8s] to take it down, beating Lewis's [ad][5d]. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.47pm: Pre-flop dominance</b><br />
All the action in the last two orbits has been pre-flop and one player has taken 80-90% of the chips on offer. Sam Trickett has raised and taken most pots and when Toby Lewis raised to 90,000 into his BB he responded with a three-bet to take the pot down. This is one player who is not looking to ladder up the payouts. -- MC</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>3.38pm: Deal me in</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 80,000 which Teddy Sheringham called in the small blind. Toby Lewis immediately raised to 245,000 in the big blind. Trickett folded but Sheringham thought about it for a while, asking the dealer to spread the chips a little before eventually folding.</p>
<p>At this point Mario the dealer finished his duties, thanked the players and got up to leave. Only there was no replacement for him, so instead he sat back down again. Thomas Kremser also sat down, at the empty seat left by Rob Hollink. To much amusement Mario dealt him before snatching the card back and passing it back along to Sheringham. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.30pm: Frederick Jensen eliminated in 6th for €74,496</b><br />
Frederick Jensen is the most recent casualty, departing EPT Vilamoura in sixth place for €74,496. The Dane had moved all-in from the small blind into Teddy Sheringham's big blind and the former professional football player made the call.</p>
<p>Sheringham: [5d][5s] <br />
Jensen: [ac][jd]</p>
<p>It was a huge flip for Jensen and one that gave him a huge number of outs on the [qs][3h][qc] flop and [th] turn. Any ten, ace, jack or king would have kept the Dane in it. It wasn't to be, though, as a [6h] dropped on the river. Sheringham is up to 2.3m and moves into second place behind Toby Lewis (who is on 4,000,000). -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.23pm: Not the hand we were expecting</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Fredrick Jensen tangled once more in the first hand back from break. Jensen made it 80,000 to go from the button and Lewis called from the BB. Both players checked to the river where the board read [4d][6h][6d][2c][th] before Lewis over-bet the pot to the tune of 195,000. Jensen tank-called and was very surprised to see Lewis table [kc][ks] for the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>3.15pm: Here we go again</b><br />
Players are back at the table. With six left, each is now guaranteed at least €74,496 - that was probably a week's wages for former soccer star Teddy Sheringham (ok, that's a slight exaggeration).</p>
<p>As they sit down, here are the current chip counts, with blinds now at 20,000-40,000 and a 4,000 running ante:</p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson</center></i><p></p>
<p><i>PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of smartness today): Stephen Bartley (shirt and tie - really!), Marc Convey (trendy - he claims - shirt), Simon Young (usual PokerStars t-shirt) and Rick Dacey (tramp-like)</i></p>
<p>All photos (c) Neil Stoddart</p>"
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string(42) "European Poker Tour season seven Vilamoura"
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string(23234) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>Lewis fades two outs for the title</b><br />
These two young aggressive players didn't want to hang around and the shortening of the levels proved that. It took around four hands of this level before we had the second all-in of this heads-up battle. Lewis raised to 160,000 from the button and was called by Jacobson to go to the [ac][9h][ts] flop where the action went check-check. </p>
<p>The fireworks were soon let off though on the [5s] turn as the Swede led for 180,000 only to be raised to 525,000. Jacobson put another raise in making it 1,025,000 but he was soon under pressure when Lewis bumped it up to 2,025,000. Jacobson really thought hard now as he had 4,250,000 behind so knew he was playing for his tournament right here if he was to continue in the hand. He decided his holding was that strong and moved all in. CALL!</p>
<p>Jacobson; [9d][5d]<br />
Lewis: [5c][5h]</p>
<p>Jacobson only had two nines in the deck to hit and one chance to hit. The river came [tc] to send the pot Lewis's way along with the title. His supporters on the rail, all a little bit inebriated by now, swarmed him to give him big hugs. One close friend, Chris Brammer was even reduced to tears.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Toby Lewis for a patient and well timed assault of this most enjoyable final table. Also well played to Martin Jacobson for nearly ruining the British party with a great performance. -- MC </p>
<p><br />
<b>8.03pm: Toby Lewis wins EPT Vilamoura</b><br />
Details to follow. Lewis gets €467,835 for first place while Martin Jacobson receives €297,984. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.55pm: And here we go again</b><br />
Cards are back in the air again. Word has come back that the players have agreed to move to 30-minute levels rather than the full one hour. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.40pm: Break</b><br />
The heads up combatants are taking a 15-minute break. The table is finely balanced with Lewis holding a slither of a lead but to all extents and purposes the pair are evenly matched. It could go either way. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.35pm: Nearly even stevens</b><br />
Jacobson is almost back to even with Lewis after forcing him off a pot. The Swede raised to 125,000 from the button and called Lewis' 385,000 three-bet from the BB. Lewis led for 435,000 on the [js][7h][3c] flop but check-folded to the heavily breathing Jacobson and his 950,000 bet on the [8s] turn. -- MC </p>
<p><b>7.30pm: Lewis making dents again</b><br />
After doubling up Martin Jacobson a short while ago, Toby Lewis is setting about extending his lead once more. First he bet 125,000 and Jacobson called to see a [6s][kc][3d] flop. Lewis then bet 150,000 and that was enough to take it.</p>
<p>Next hand Jacobson made it 125,000 then folded when Lewis fired it up to 385,000. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.22pm: It's on!</b><br />
Jacobson raised to 125,00 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000 and Jacobson moved all-in for 2,350,000. Lewis called. </p>
<p>Lewis: [ac][8d]<br />
Jacobson: [7s][7h]</p>
<p>A coin flip for the EPT title and Lewis looked like he was holding a lot of emotion as the rail came streaming in towards the table shouting for an ace. No ace on the [jh][ks][3h] flop. No ace or eight on the [jd] turn either. "King," screamed the rail and Jacobson allowed himself a smile. The [4d] fell on the river and Jacobson doubled up to 4,700,000. Lewis has the lead with 6,800,000. So close for Lewis who will have to reset and regroup. -- RD</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilamoura_final table_martin jacobson.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_6644_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson: back from the brink</center></i><p></p>
<p><br />
<b>7.15pm: Nice one for Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis has extended his lead once more. He made it 125,000 and Martin Jacobson called. The flop was [3c][ah][kc] and Jacobson check-called Lewis' 125,000 bet. On the [qd] river, Jacobson check-called 425,000 before both checked the [4s] river. Jacobson had [as][2c] but Lewis had him out-pipped with [ad][5h].</p>
<p>Jacobson has slipped back to 2.8million while Lewis has approaching 8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.10pm: The calm after the storm?</b><br />
Things have slowed down a little bit here after Lewis' triple-barrelling. There has been a couple of raise and takes and the odd open fold too. There's been one flop but that was quickly bet by Lewis who took the pot down. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.05pm: Lewis speeds up</b><br />
Lewis three-barreled out of position and it did the trick. He called a Jacobson 125,000 button raise before he led for 150,000 on the [8s][2d][jc] flop. Jacobson called and then called a 375,000 bet on the [4c] turn. The river came [9s] and there was no slowing down Lewis who fired 475,000 into the middle. Jacobson gave it a minute's thought before sliding his cards into the muck. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.55pm: Jacobson gets some back</b><br />
After a couple of raise and takes Jacobson raised from the small blind to 150,000 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000. Jacobson made the call. Lewis led the [th][9h][kc] flop for 400,000 and Jacobson decided to move all-in. Lewis passed. It's a significant and vital chip swing for Jacobson. Lewis still in the lead. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.50pm: All quiet</b><br />
We've seen no flops since the post below. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.44pm: Jacobson stops the leak</b><br />
Martin Jacobson has taken down his first pot in a while. He raised to 100,000 and then tank-called when Lewis three-bet to 385,000. The flop came [4h][kd][ts] and the play went check-check. Lewis also checked the [ks] turn and folded when his opponent fired 425,000 at the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>6.40pm: More for Lewis</b><br />
The Brit Toby Lewis is piling on the aggression. For the third time in a row Martin Jacobson made it 125,000, but instead of folding like the first two times, Lewis re-raised to 385,000 total. Jacobson was not done yet, making it 775,000. Things were tense as Lewis went over his options - he decided to move all-in, and Jacobson insta-mucked.</p>
<p>Right now it's Lewis on around 8.7 million and Jacobson on 2.8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.35pm: Big pot alert</b><br />
Lewis was on the small blind and raised it up to 150,000 and Jacobson called. The Swede checked the [8d][7s][4d] flop and Lewis bet another 150,000. Jacobson raised to 375,000 and Lewis made the call. The turn was the [6d], an action card to say the least as it completed flush and straight draws. Jacobson led into it for 525,000 and Lewis quietly announced that he was all-in. Jacobson didn't need to think for long before he passed. Lewis has a 3-1 chip lead now. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.27pm: Two small pots for Sweden</b><br />
Jacobson has taken down two small pots in a row. In the first hand he raised to 125,000 and Lewis called before check-folding to a 150,000 bet on the [qh][6c][3h] flop. The next hand Lewis raised to 125,000 from the button but folded to a Jacobson 310,000 three-bet. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.21pm: First one to Lewis</b><br />
Back from the break and Toby Lewis raised first hand to 125,000, called by Martin Jacobson. Both checked the [3s][jc][ah] flop, and on the [8d] turn Lewis called Jacobson's 150,000 bet. Both then checked the [5s] river and Lewis' [7h][8s] was good enough to take it. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.18pm: Get ready</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Martin Jacobson are heading back to their seats. Blinds will now be 30,000-60,000</p>
<p><b>6.07pm: Lewis wins another big one</b><br />
Lewis min-raised to 100,00 from the small blind and Jacobson made it 250,000 from the big blind. Lewis called. Jacobson led the [5h][2d][kd] flop for 325,000. Lewis called. Jacobson bet another 725,000 on the [js] turn. Lewis called again. The [3h] dropped on the river and neither player wanted to take things any further. Lewis showed [kc][th] to take the pot and lengthen his chip lead. The stacks are around 4,485,000 for Jacobson and 7,050,000 for Lewis. </p>
<p>The players are taking a well-earned 15-minute break. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.02pm: Little movement</b><br />
They're trading small blows at the moment. Twice Toby Lewis has raised to 100,000 and got a call from Martin Jacobson. On the first one Lewis bet 125,000 on the [kh][jc][ad] flop and got a fold. The second went on a little longer - both checked the [qh][qd][4c] flop, but on the [7c] turn Jacobson made it 100,000 and Lewis called. Jacobson then slowed down to a check on the [3d] river, then folded when Lewis reached for 300,000 chips. -- SY</p>
<p><b>5.55pm: Lewis edges into chip lead</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just moved into the chip lead after winning a sizable pot without a showdown. He raised to 100,000 from the button and Jacobson called for a [6c][ks][4c] flop where he check-called a 135,000 bet. The turn came [5h] and Jacobson check-called a 300,000 bet. Jacobson checked the [9h] river and the Brit really upped the pressure with a 1,175,000 bet. Jacobson thought and studied his opponent who was looking into the distance before folding. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.50pm: Lewis clawing back chips</b><br />
Jacobson raised from the small blind to 105,000 and Lewis called in the big. Both players checked the [9h][td][7h] flop before Lewis led the [5c] turn for 120,000. The [6h] river completed the two major draws and Lewis pushed forward another 250,000. Jacobson didn't think long before opting to pass. Lewis is up to 5,125,000 and Jacobson slides to 6,350,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>5.45pm: No show</b><br />
On a flop of [td][jc][ah] Jacobson bet 130,000 which Lewis called for a [4d] turn. Again, Jacobson bet, making it 300,000 this time, which Lewis called for a [3d] river. Both checked, Jacobson mucking before Lewis had shown. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.40pm: Chip counts at the beginning of heads-up play</b><br />
Martin Jacobson - 7,075,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,405,000</p>
<p><b>5.38pm: We're heads-up</b><br />
Three-handed play didn't last long with the elimination of Jason Lee in third. He open shoved for just under one million chips and was snap-called by Martin Jacobson in the BB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Jacobson: [ac][td]<br />
Lee: [ah][5h]</p>
<p>The board ran [3c][4s][9d][ts][js]. Lee said he card dead all day and he had a horrible seat draw today with the uber-aggressive Trickett to his left. His final table started after Trickett departed but things didn't work out for him. €186,240 should soften the blow somewhat. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.35pm: Lee not leaving</b><br />
Jason Lee just moved all-in for 965,000. Lewis folded by Jacobson went into the tank, thinking, moving chips around and eventually folding. Lee still alive. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.20pm: Pre-flop battle</b><br />
The two chip leaders just battled in a pre-flop raising war. Toby Lewis raised to 135,000 from the SB to face a three-bet to 300,000 from Martin Jacobson. Lewis' response was to four-bet to 660,000 and after a lot of though the Swedish chip leader folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.15pm: Trickett out of here</b><br />
In the end it seemed the most humane outcome. Sam Trickett's final table suffering had gone on for so long that his own elimination can only come as gentle relief. That's not true of course and Trickett looked devastated as he shook hands a few moments ago, eliminated by Martin Jacobson after an afternoon spent trying to catch a break.</p>
<p>All in after all-in was called by Trickett, who more often than not was ahead on showdown, only to be behind when it mattered. So when Toby Lewis opened for 110,000 under the gun and Martin Jacobson raised to 265,000 from the button, Trickett saw his chance and pushed all in for just short of 1,400,000. </p>
<p>Lewis folded quickly but Jacobson was going nowhere, asking for a count, looking again at his cards, pulling out towards of orange chips from around the back ready to push in. After confirming that it was 1,105,000 to call his did so, turning over [qh][jh] to Trickett's [2h][2s]. </p>
<p>"I got it," said Trickett to friends on the rail with some good British irony. "I got it, I got the deuces." Jacobson came to shake hands and they both awaited the board. [jd][5h][8h][3c][4s]. Jacobson had been ahead on the flop and never looked back. Trickett out, Jacobson up to more than 5.5 million. Down to three players. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.05pm: Sheringham eliminated in 5th place (€93,120)</b><br />
Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has been eliminated in 5th place by the recent Swedish force known as Martin Jacobson. The former footballer raised to 125,000 from under-the-gun and was called by Jacobson to see a [ks][9d][th] flop. The action went check-check before Sheringham led for 275,000 on the [9h] turn. Jacobson raised to 590,000 and then snap-called when his Sheringham moved all-in.</p>
<p>Sheringham tabled [kc][qc] for two-pair but Jacobson had a straight with [qs][jc]. The river blanked with a [3s] and Sheringham left to an almighty round of applause. Jacobson regains the chip lead he held yesterday with 4.9 million. -- MC </p>
<p><b>4.55pm: Jacobson hits Trickett hard</b><br />
Martin Jacobson opened from the hi-jack to 110,000 and was called by Sam Trickett on the button. The Swede led for 140,000 on the [2h][9h][3d] flop and Trickett called. Jacobson bet another 270,000 as the flush appeared on the [7h] turn and Trickett called again. The four-flush and paired board materialised on the river with the [3h] and Jacobson bet 510,000. Trickett called and was shown the nut flush with [ah][kh]. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.50pm: Play re-starts</b><br />
With an armed, dismounted mounted police officer patrolling the smoking area, the players have returned for level 26. </p>
<p><b>4.40pm: Chip counts at the break</b></p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,490,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,350,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 1,850,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,215,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 2,615,000</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 25,000-50,000, ANTE 5,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>4.36pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are on another 15 minute break.</p>
<p><b>4.35pm: Lewis picking up the pace</b><br />
Lewis seemed to have picked up the pace a little bit towards the end of the level, winning a few hands with simple 90,000 raises pre-flop. That's what happened on the last hand before a 15-minute break was announced. When the players return the blinds will be a huge 25,000-50,000, 5,000 ante. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.30pm: Trickett wins big pot......</b><br />
....without showdown. Sam Trickett has got a lot of those lost chips back after forcing a fold from Martin Jacobson. Trickett raised to 80,000 from early position and was called by the Swede from the BB. Jacobson check-called a 125,000 bet on the [2h][3s][8d] flop and 325,000 on the [4s] turn. The river came [jc] and Trickett <i>emptied the clip</i> with a 625,000 bet when it was checked to him again. Jacobson tank-folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>4.25pm: Trickett can't win a showdown</b><br />
You can tell Sam Trickett is trying to shrug off the frustration of this final table. He just can't win a showdown after getting it in pre-flop and this last one was the worst. Jason Lee shoved [as][2c] from the cut-off and Trickett moved all-in behind him from the button with [ah][kd]. The flop instantly put Lee ahead on the [ad][2c][qd] flop but the [4d] turn gave Trickett plenty of outs to get back in front; any four, queen, king or diamond. None of them came and Lee is back up to over one million. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.20pm: In the blinds</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 105,000 in the small blind. Martin Jacobson was waiting in the big and called for a [5d][8d][4h] flop. Lewis then bet 130,000 and Jacobson made it 140,000 more. Good enough to force Lewis to fold. -- SB</p>
<p><b>4.15pm: Can't win a show-down</b><br />
Sam Trickett has been the most active player at this final table and has easily won the most pots without showdown. The poor guy just can't win an all-in showdown, though, no matter how hard he tries or how far he's ahead. The latest player to double through the Brit is Swedish representative Martin Jacobson.</p>
<p>Jacobson raised to 80,000 to see Trickett three-bet to 200,000 from the SB which was exactly the same action as one orbit ago. The last time Jacobson folded but this time he moved all-in for 1,132,000. Trickett called quickly to create a showdown:<br />
<br />
Trickett: [jd][js]<br />
Jacobson: [qd][jc]</p>
<p>"Ive got to win one of these" said Trickett before the board ran [5d][2d][6d][ad][5h]. Maybe not then! Trickett down to 2.3 million. --MC</p>
<p><b>4.09pm: Four million</b><br />
Jason Lee opened for 80,000 from the button which Sam Trickett called in the small blind. Trickett is playing well and has to, as I suspect he'll need a top three finish to pay his massage bill. On a flop of [kd][2s][5h] both checked for a [4h] turn card. Trickett then bet 125,000 which Lee called for a [4d] river card. Another 500,000 from Trickett this time which Lee went on to call. We never saw his cards though. Trickett showed [ks][qs] to win the hand and move up to nearly 4 million. Lee down to just 700,000. -- SB</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_d5.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_d5.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p><b>4.07pm: Rail to get louder</b><br />
The British rail is about to get a little noisier. All those cheering on Toby Lewis/Sam Trickett/Teddy Sheringham have now taken delivery of large beers (previously they were content with smaller bottles). -- SY</p>
<p><b>4.05pm: Sheringham playing snug</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham has been playing a calm and composed tournament and it doesn't look like he's going to change that to make any major mistakes in this five-handed action. Jason Lee opened to 84,000 from the button and Sheringham passed in the big blind. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.03pm: Three-way action</b><br />
Jason Lee opened the action from the hijack to 85,000 (for the second hand on the bounce) and was called by Sam Trickett and Martin Jacobson. The Swede checked as did Lee and Trickett took down the [tc][8d][8s] flop with a 150,000 bet. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4pm: Football fan </b><br />
I doubt there's any kind of metagame attached to it but Martin Jacobson has just said to Sheringham: "You used to play for my favorite football team... two years before I was born." Sheringham quickly clicked the Swede was talking about Djurgårdens IF a team that he went on loan to in 1985 (playing 21 times and scoring 13 goals). "Good club," replied Sheringham. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.52pm: Anglo tension</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 90,000 which Sheringham folded to in the small blind but Toby Lewis called in the big. The flop came [3d][8h][9s] and Lewis bet 110,000 which Trickett called without ceremony. They both checked the [9h] turn and did the same for the [jd] river. Trickett showed [as][8s] to take it down, beating Lewis's [ad][5d]. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.47pm: Pre-flop dominance</b><br />
All the action in the last two orbits has been pre-flop and one player has taken 80-90% of the chips on offer. Sam Trickett has raised and taken most pots and when Toby Lewis raised to 90,000 into his BB he responded with a three-bet to take the pot down. This is one player who is not looking to ladder up the payouts. -- MC</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>3.38pm: Deal me in</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 80,000 which Teddy Sheringham called in the small blind. Toby Lewis immediately raised to 245,000 in the big blind. Trickett folded but Sheringham thought about it for a while, asking the dealer to spread the chips a little before eventually folding.</p>
<p>At this point Mario the dealer finished his duties, thanked the players and got up to leave. Only there was no replacement for him, so instead he sat back down again. Thomas Kremser also sat down, at the empty seat left by Rob Hollink. To much amusement Mario dealt him before snatching the card back and passing it back along to Sheringham. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.30pm: Frederick Jensen eliminated in 6th for €74,496</b><br />
Frederick Jensen is the most recent casualty, departing EPT Vilamoura in sixth place for €74,496. The Dane had moved all-in from the small blind into Teddy Sheringham's big blind and the former professional football player made the call.</p>
<p>Sheringham: [5d][5s] <br />
Jensen: [ac][jd]</p>
<p>It was a huge flip for Jensen and one that gave him a huge number of outs on the [qs][3h][qc] flop and [th] turn. Any ten, ace, jack or king would have kept the Dane in it. It wasn't to be, though, as a [6h] dropped on the river. Sheringham is up to 2.3m and moves into second place behind Toby Lewis (who is on 4,000,000). -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.23pm: Not the hand we were expecting</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Fredrick Jensen tangled once more in the first hand back from break. Jensen made it 80,000 to go from the button and Lewis called from the BB. Both players checked to the river where the board read [4d][6h][6d][2c][th] before Lewis over-bet the pot to the tune of 195,000. Jensen tank-called and was very surprised to see Lewis table [kc][ks] for the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>3.15pm: Here we go again</b><br />
Players are back at the table. With six left, each is now guaranteed at least €74,496 - that was probably a week's wages for former soccer star Teddy Sheringham (ok, that's a slight exaggeration).</p>
<p>As they sit down, here are the current chip counts, with blinds now at 20,000-40,000 and a 4,000 running ante:</p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson</center></i><p></p>
<p><i>PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of smartness today): Stephen Bartley (shirt and tie - really!), Marc Convey (trendy - he claims - shirt), Simon Young (usual PokerStars t-shirt) and Rick Dacey (tramp-like)</i></p>
<p>All photos (c) Neil Stoddart</p>"
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<p><b>3pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are taking a 15 minute break after level 24. Here's how things stand after the best part of two levels: </p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><b>2.57pm: Trickett wins battle of aggression</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened with his usual raise to 60,000 from the button. Teddy Sheringham was in the big blind and having seen Trickett do this countless times already made it another 125,000 on top. Trickett was going nowhere, however, and thought for a moment or two before making it another 225,000 on top.</p>
<p>That stopped the action dead in its tracks as Sheringham mucked. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.52pm: Another set-up</b><br />
Frederick Jensen was the recipient of a huge double just moments ago, flopping a house into Sam Trickett's top trips. It was the Dane this time who found himself on the wrong end of a set-up. Jason Lee raised the button to 65,000 and was called by Trickett in the small blind and Jensen in the big. Both blinds checked the [6h][7c][7h] flop to Lee who bet 82,000. Trickett passed and Jensen raised to 215,000. Lee sat still for a shirt while before announcing that he was all-in. for 762,000. Jensen called.</p>
<p>Jensen: [3s][7s] for top trips<br />
Lee: [7d][9d] for top trips with a better kicker</p>
<p>Jensen was in need of a three for the win, or two cards higher than a nine or a six for the chop. None of those combinations came and Lee doubled to 1,720,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.46pm: Don't push me</b><br />
Toby Lewis made it 75,000 from the small blind, and Martin Jacobson took one quick look at his cards before moving a tower of orange 25,000 chips worth 500,000 into the middle. Lewis did not like that one bit and mucked instantly. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.42pm: What a set-up</b><br />
Trickett limped the small blind and Jensen checked behind. Trickett led the [tc][ts][4h] flop for 50,000. Jensen called. Trickett fired another 105,000 at the [9c] turn. Jensen called again. Trickett slid out a huge 405,000 bet on the [kh] river and Jensen moved all-in for 665,000. It was Trickett's time to make the call.</p>
<p>Trickett: [td][5d]<br />
Jensen: [4s][4c]</p>
<p>Both players had flopped massively in the limped pot and Jensen is now up to 1,620,000 taking an 800,000 chunk out of Trickett. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.34pm: Donk lead works</b><br />
Sam Trickett just took down a pot worth nearly 200,000 after leading for 100,000 on a [kc][qc][2s] flop. Toby Lewis started the action with a 68,000 raise from the hi-jack that both Trickett and Fredrick Jensen called from the blinds. Trickett took the initiative with his bet and that did the trick. -- MC</p>
<p><b>2.30pm: Pulling the trigger</b><br />
It was folded around to Martin Jacobson in the small blind, a perfect spot to push for his last 551,000. Jason Lee had a long look at his cards, but the more he looked the more he disliked them. He mucked.</p>
<p>Next hand it was folded around to Lee in the small blind. With 600,000 behind he might have fancied open shoving against Sam Trickett in the big blind. Alas, Lee looked down and saw [7s][2c], not quite good enough to go with. Trickett showed [qs][jc]. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.25pm: pm: Wet board, big hands, small pot</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened from the cut-off to 60,000 and was three-bet to 150,000 by Teddy Sheringham in the small blind. Trickett made the call. Both players checked the [8h][td][9h] flop. Then they checked the [ac] turn and finally they both quickly checked the [7s] river. Sheringham showed [kd][kh] and Trickett showed pocket queens. </p>
<p>The pot? Just 345,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.20pm: Lewis takes a bigger chunk this time</b><br />
Fredrick Jensen lost a bigger chunk to Toby Lewis on the very next hand. Jensen raised to 60,000 and once again the 20-year-old Brit three-bet. The amount was 175,000 and the Dane called to see a [kh][3d][2h] flop. Lewis continued with the aggression and led for 195,000. Jensen called before the [8s] turn and [qh] river were checked down. </p>
<p>Lewis tabled [qd][jc] for a rivered pair of queens. Jensen let out a gasp and showed [9c][9h] and said "Nice catch!" -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.15pm: Back to the three-bet</b><br />
Since Jensen and Jacobson doubled up there has been a little more depth at the table in terms of stacks, and that means less openings are all-in shoves. In turn that means the preflop three-bet is rearing its head more frequently. First Jacobson opened for 60,000 from the hi-jack and was three-bet by Jensen to 170,000 from the small blind. Jensen was then the one being forced to back down after min raising the button and getting attacked by Toby Lewis in the big blind with a three-bet to 175,000. -- RD </p>
<p><b>2.10pm: Passing chips around</b><br />
It's been a slow few minutes. Sam Trickett raised and took the blinds and antes. Then Teddy Sheringham did the same. Finally we saw a flop when Jason Lee made it 65,000 and Frederick Jensen called from the big blind. The flop was [5s][9c][kc] and Jensen check-folded to Lee's 75,000 bet. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.07pm: Ask Teddy</b></p>
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<p><br />
<b>2.05pm: Thin value bet chance declined</b><br />
Sam Trickett brushed off doubling-up another opponent by raising the next two pots in a row. His first 60,000 raise took the blinds and antes but the next was called by recent nemesis Martin Jacobson. </p>
<p>The flop came [ad][3d][jc] and Jacobson check-called a 75,000 bet before both checked the [2c] turn. Jacobson checked the [2s] river and so did Trickett after a good deal of thought. Trickett tabled [ah][th] which bested the Swede's [ac][7s]. -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.01pm: Jacobson and Trickett all-in again</b><br />
Martin Jacobson and Sam Trickett are all-in again with the Swede moving in for 418,000 from the cut-off and Trickett taking him on from the small blind.</p>
<p>Jacobson: [js][ks]<br />
Trickett: [ad][3d]</p>
<p>The board ran out [2c][4s][tc][4c][jh] with Jacobson getting saved on the river. The Swede strode to the rail to celebrate with one of his supporters with a high-five. Jacobson is up to 860,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.58pm: All-in! Call! Oh</b><br />
Martin Jacobson moved all-in from the button for 405,000 and Sam Trickett called from the big blind. Great excitement until the cards were turned over... [ad][6h] for Trickett, [ac][6s] for Jacobson. The board ran a rather uneventful [9s][10h][7h][qc][10d]. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.55pm: Treading carefully</b><br />
Sam Trickett raised under the gun to 60,000 and only Toby Lewis called from the button. Both checked the [8h][ac][qc] flop, and Trickett check-folded when Lewis made it 80,000 on the [6s] turn. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.50pm: That pesky monkey remains</b><br />
There will be no double EPT champion crowned here in Vilamoura as Rob Hollink has been eliminated in 7th place for €55,872. The action folded around to him in the cut-off and he moved all-in for 150,000 and was called by Teddy Sheringham in the SB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Hollink: [ts][8s]<br />
Sheringham: [ah][jh]</p>
<p>The board ran [3d][kh][ad][8c][7s]. The Dutchman got the generous round of applause he deserved and exited stage left. -- MC</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 15,000-30,000, ANTE 3,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>1.45pm: Back from the break</b><br />
Play re-starts after the break.</p>
<p><b>1.38pm: Chips</b><br />
Here is the current state of play:<br />
Teddy Sheringham - 1,900,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,000,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 445,000<br />
Jason Lee - 908,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 3,300,000<br />
Rob Hollink - 175,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 1,360,000</p>
<p><b>1.36pm: Level up</b><br />
That elimination also marked the end of level 23. We're on a 15-minute break for level 24, when blinds will be 15,000-30,000 (3,000 ante). -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.35pm: Sergio Coutinho, eliminated in eighth place for €37,248</b><br />
After a level spent calling all-ins Sam Trickett just eliminated the first player of the day. Sergio Coutinho open-shoved for around 160,000 on the button and Trickett called in the small blind. [8h][6s] for Coutinho against the [ah][8d] of Trickett.</p>
<p>The two players shook hands and waited for the board. It ran [5d][9d][qs][5s][qd]. Coutinho had needed a six or seven after the flop but that was as close as he came to doubling up. Instead he's the first to go. -- SB</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Sam Trickett</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>1.30pm: A stack to play back</b><br />
Two double-ups for Fredrick Jensen means he now has a stack to play back at the big boys - as Toby Lewis just found out. The Dane raised to 50,000 from the hijack to face a button three-bet to 135,000 from Lewis. Fredrick wasn't having any of it, though, and made it 295,000 to go, total. Lewis pulled a face and mucked his hand. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.20pm: No reply</b><br />
A series of hands with no real outcome. Sam Trickett moved all-in from the small blind, much to the irritation of Rob Hollink who had no option but to fold. Then Teddy Sheringham opened for two successive hands with no takers, before Hollink managed to get his chips into the middle, only to find no takers. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.15pm: Straight back on the horse</b><br />
Sam Trickett got straight back into the action after losing that big pot just before. He called a 53,000 button raise from Jason Lee while sat in the BB. The flop came [qs][qh][ac] and Trickett led for 65,000. Call. There was no slowing the Brit down on the [kh] turn as he led for 165,000. Lee went into the tank and ended up folding with a look of pain across his face. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.10pm: Jensen has just the Trickett</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 50,000 in early position and Frederick Jensen made it 90,000 more. With the action back on Trickett he announced all-in which Jensen called in a flash, showing [qc][qd] while Trickett could only muster [jc][jd]. </p>
<p>The board ran [6d][ad][9c][5d][qs] for Jensen's second double up, both of them being through Trickett. Jensen up to 1,100,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.07pm: Video time</b><br />
Brit Toby Lewis introduces the final table...</p>
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<p><b>1.05pm: Stealing his moves</b><br />
Rob Hollink has the cut of a frustrated man at the moment. His stack has shrunk to 155,000 and he can't find a spot to move all-in because Sam Trickett keeps min-raising in front of him. He therefore he has to find a genuine hand if it's to be three-bet shove as he knows he will be called. Just as we were about to publish this the action folded to Hollink and he moved all-in and managed to take the blinds and antes to increase his stack by around 30%. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1pm: 'We love you, Toby!'</b><br />
Toby Lewis has several railers here including Team PokerStars Pro JP Kelly, <a href="http://www.ukipt.com/leaderboard/">UKIPT leaderboard</a> challenger Chris Brammer and WSOP bracelet winner James Dempsey. It was the latter that just shouted out: "We love you, Toby." The Brits, somewhat unsurprisingly, already have beers in their hands and the railing is likely to get louder - and more liquid - as the day goes by. -- RD </p>
<p><b>12.56pm: Coutinho down</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 53,000 in the cut off which Sergio Coutinho called from the big blind. On the flop of [9d][7h][4d] Coutinho checked to Lewis who bet 60,000. Coutinho called that for a [kd] turn, again checking and then calling Lewis's bet of 135,000. On the [kc] river Coutinho checked again. Lewis bet 280,000 this time which Coutinho called, grimacing as he turned over [8d][qd] for a flush when seeing Lewis's [9c][9h] full house. Coutinho down to 290,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.53pm: Lee less blind</b><br />
Jason Lee took small pot off Martin Jacobson in the blinds. The Swede raised to 62,000 from the SB and the American called from the BB. The flop came [7h][9h][tc] and Jacobson check-folded to a 55,000 bet from Lee. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.50pm: Jacobson squeezes all-in</b><br />
Sam Trickett started this hand with a min raise to 48,000 from middle position. Frederick Jensen called in the cut-off before the action folded round to Martin Jacobson in the big blind who moved all-in for over 500,000. Both players passed. Jensen has dropped 100,000 in the last couple of hands. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.48pm: Sheringham strikes from the small blind</b><br />
Frederick Jensen opened the button for 48,000 and Teddy Sheringham three-bet to 160,000 from the small blind. Lewis looked like he was considering a move but decided against it. Jensen passed and Sheringam adds close to 100,000 to his stack. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.44pm: Lewis wins utg</b><br />
It's as simple as that. Toby Lewis opened the action under the gun and took the blinds with Teddy Sheringham passing his big blind. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.38pm: First of the all-ins</b><br />
The first all-in to be called just featured Frederick Jensen doubling through Sam Trickett. Trickett opened from the button for 48,000 and Jensen moved all-in for a little more than 300,000. Trickett called showing [ac][8c] to Jensen's [kc][7c]. </p>
<p>The board ran [5c][7d][6h][5h][7h], the flop putting Jensen into the lead and the river keeping him there. He's up to nearly 700,000 while Trickett slips to the 3 million mark. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.32pm: Trickett soars into lead</b><br />
To be honest Sam Trickett sort of hopped into the lead he's been craving to claim back after the last hand of yesterday's play. The first hand of the day he raised to 48,000 from early position and was only called by Toby Lewis on the button to see the [qs][2h][ah] flop. Check-check. The turn came [4s] and Trickett led for 58,000 which was good for the pot as Lewis folded. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.28pm: Play begins</b><br />
The EPT Vilamoura final table is under way. We're just hours away from someone winning €467,835. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is not to be sneezed at. Here are your eight finalists... -- SY</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><p></p>
<p><b>12.20pm: Nearly ready</b><br />
The final eight players are now in their seats. Thomas Kremser is making the introductions, we'll be off in around five minutes. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.15pm: What a relief</b><br />
Followers of PokerStars Blog this week will know we've had a spectacular run of fortune, making more than $12million from kindly ladies in Africa wanting help with their deceased fathers' fortunes, plus a cheeky win on an Australian state lottery (which we never entered, but we're keeping quiet about that).</p>
<p>Imagine our horror, therefore, to receive an email at blog@pokerstars.com from FBI Headquarters in Washington. We instantly feared the worst - perhaps the FBI was to tell us we had been conned and our bank accounts were being fleeced.</p>
<p>But no. It turns out this was <i>another</i> piece of good news. Dr Chad L. Fulgham was writing from the FBI to tell us his department had discovered we were owed $6million from China. We're not sure how, but we're certainly not questioning it, although his yahoo.cn email address is a worry (shouldn't it be fbi.com or something?). Nonetheless, we're sending him the $150 he needs to get the ball rolling.</p>
<p>So, we're now up to $18million this week. Quite impressive, we think you'll agree. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.10pm: Delayed start</b><br />
The players are here but not yet ready to play. Chips are on the table but the usual preliminaries are taking a few minutes. Play should be under way soonish. When play does start the blinds will be 12,000-24,000 with a 2,000 ante. -- SB</p>
<p><br />
Welcome back for the final table of EPT Vilamoura, the culmination of five days of play that began with a field of 384. Those players are just a memory now as the last eight emerge to fight it out for a first prize of €467,835. </p>
<p>The leader coming into the final is Englishman Toby Lewis, who last night snatched the chip lead from countryman Sam Trickett at the bell, ahead by just 4,000. Behind them is soccer legend Teddy Sheringham, making the top three an all English affair that we couldn't believe either. The table will line up like this:</p>
<p>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000<br />
Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000<br />
Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000<br />
Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000<br />
Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000<br />
Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000<br />
Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips<br />
Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</p>
<p>Lewis seems confident, or at least he's looking forward to the final. His Facebook status this morning reads: "BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM! 1/8 into the FINAL! Lets f do this 480k euros yes." I think that says it all.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Casino Vilamoura</i></center><br>
<p>And so to it. The players are arriving, well kind of. Martin Jacobson was just seen still eating breakfast back at the hotel and to be honest I can't see any of the others. But we're assured they're on their way, undergoing the rigours of a pre-match photo shoot with Neil Stoddart before taking their seats in Casino Vilamoura's tournament coliseum. </p>
<p>In honour of this momentous occasion the blog team are each decked out in ceremonial battle dress today, complete with staff blazers and ties, decorative sash, plus fours, tricorne hats and campaign medals. All except Rick Dacey, who follows us all making horse noises with two coconut shells. As leader Simon Young is entitled to carry a side arm.</p>
<p>Live coverage will begin shortly. You can find regularly updated chip counts throughout the day on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/chipcount.html">chip count page</a>, while all the results will be posted on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-vilamoura-7-prizewinners-and-payouts.html">prize winners page</a> as we inch nearer to a winner. Fancy starting from the beginning? Then all news from Vilamoura is posted at <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/">this</a> convenient link.</p>
<p><em><strong>PokerStars Blog reporting team at EPT Vilamoura (in order of Octopus eaten this week):</strong> Rick Dacey (1), Stephen Bartley (1), Marc Convey (1 tentacle) and Simon Young (not on your life). Photos by Neil Stoddart.</em></p>"
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<p><b>3pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are taking a 15 minute break after level 24. Here's how things stand after the best part of two levels: </p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><b>2.57pm: Trickett wins battle of aggression</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened with his usual raise to 60,000 from the button. Teddy Sheringham was in the big blind and having seen Trickett do this countless times already made it another 125,000 on top. Trickett was going nowhere, however, and thought for a moment or two before making it another 225,000 on top.</p>
<p>That stopped the action dead in its tracks as Sheringham mucked. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.52pm: Another set-up</b><br />
Frederick Jensen was the recipient of a huge double just moments ago, flopping a house into Sam Trickett's top trips. It was the Dane this time who found himself on the wrong end of a set-up. Jason Lee raised the button to 65,000 and was called by Trickett in the small blind and Jensen in the big. Both blinds checked the [6h][7c][7h] flop to Lee who bet 82,000. Trickett passed and Jensen raised to 215,000. Lee sat still for a shirt while before announcing that he was all-in. for 762,000. Jensen called.</p>
<p>Jensen: [3s][7s] for top trips<br />
Lee: [7d][9d] for top trips with a better kicker</p>
<p>Jensen was in need of a three for the win, or two cards higher than a nine or a six for the chop. None of those combinations came and Lee doubled to 1,720,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.46pm: Don't push me</b><br />
Toby Lewis made it 75,000 from the small blind, and Martin Jacobson took one quick look at his cards before moving a tower of orange 25,000 chips worth 500,000 into the middle. Lewis did not like that one bit and mucked instantly. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.42pm: What a set-up</b><br />
Trickett limped the small blind and Jensen checked behind. Trickett led the [tc][ts][4h] flop for 50,000. Jensen called. Trickett fired another 105,000 at the [9c] turn. Jensen called again. Trickett slid out a huge 405,000 bet on the [kh] river and Jensen moved all-in for 665,000. It was Trickett's time to make the call.</p>
<p>Trickett: [td][5d]<br />
Jensen: [4s][4c]</p>
<p>Both players had flopped massively in the limped pot and Jensen is now up to 1,620,000 taking an 800,000 chunk out of Trickett. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.34pm: Donk lead works</b><br />
Sam Trickett just took down a pot worth nearly 200,000 after leading for 100,000 on a [kc][qc][2s] flop. Toby Lewis started the action with a 68,000 raise from the hi-jack that both Trickett and Fredrick Jensen called from the blinds. Trickett took the initiative with his bet and that did the trick. -- MC</p>
<p><b>2.30pm: Pulling the trigger</b><br />
It was folded around to Martin Jacobson in the small blind, a perfect spot to push for his last 551,000. Jason Lee had a long look at his cards, but the more he looked the more he disliked them. He mucked.</p>
<p>Next hand it was folded around to Lee in the small blind. With 600,000 behind he might have fancied open shoving against Sam Trickett in the big blind. Alas, Lee looked down and saw [7s][2c], not quite good enough to go with. Trickett showed [qs][jc]. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.25pm: pm: Wet board, big hands, small pot</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened from the cut-off to 60,000 and was three-bet to 150,000 by Teddy Sheringham in the small blind. Trickett made the call. Both players checked the [8h][td][9h] flop. Then they checked the [ac] turn and finally they both quickly checked the [7s] river. Sheringham showed [kd][kh] and Trickett showed pocket queens. </p>
<p>The pot? Just 345,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.20pm: Lewis takes a bigger chunk this time</b><br />
Fredrick Jensen lost a bigger chunk to Toby Lewis on the very next hand. Jensen raised to 60,000 and once again the 20-year-old Brit three-bet. The amount was 175,000 and the Dane called to see a [kh][3d][2h] flop. Lewis continued with the aggression and led for 195,000. Jensen called before the [8s] turn and [qh] river were checked down. </p>
<p>Lewis tabled [qd][jc] for a rivered pair of queens. Jensen let out a gasp and showed [9c][9h] and said "Nice catch!" -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.15pm: Back to the three-bet</b><br />
Since Jensen and Jacobson doubled up there has been a little more depth at the table in terms of stacks, and that means less openings are all-in shoves. In turn that means the preflop three-bet is rearing its head more frequently. First Jacobson opened for 60,000 from the hi-jack and was three-bet by Jensen to 170,000 from the small blind. Jensen was then the one being forced to back down after min raising the button and getting attacked by Toby Lewis in the big blind with a three-bet to 175,000. -- RD </p>
<p><b>2.10pm: Passing chips around</b><br />
It's been a slow few minutes. Sam Trickett raised and took the blinds and antes. Then Teddy Sheringham did the same. Finally we saw a flop when Jason Lee made it 65,000 and Frederick Jensen called from the big blind. The flop was [5s][9c][kc] and Jensen check-folded to Lee's 75,000 bet. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.07pm: Ask Teddy</b></p>
<center><object width="440" height="253" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="videojuicer_seed_pokerstars_presentation_6957"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.videojuicer.com/bootstrap.swf" /> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="flashvars" value="seed_name=pokerstars&presentation_id=6957" /> <param name="name" value="videojuicer_seed_pokerstars_presentation_6957" /> <param name="wmode" value="transparent" /> <embed src="http://player.videojuicer.com/bootstrap.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="seed_name=pokerstars&presentation_id=6957" width="440" height="253" name="videojuicer_seed_pokerstars_presentation_6957" wmode="transparent" /> </object></center><br>
<p><br />
<b>2.05pm: Thin value bet chance declined</b><br />
Sam Trickett brushed off doubling-up another opponent by raising the next two pots in a row. His first 60,000 raise took the blinds and antes but the next was called by recent nemesis Martin Jacobson. </p>
<p>The flop came [ad][3d][jc] and Jacobson check-called a 75,000 bet before both checked the [2c] turn. Jacobson checked the [2s] river and so did Trickett after a good deal of thought. Trickett tabled [ah][th] which bested the Swede's [ac][7s]. -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.01pm: Jacobson and Trickett all-in again</b><br />
Martin Jacobson and Sam Trickett are all-in again with the Swede moving in for 418,000 from the cut-off and Trickett taking him on from the small blind.</p>
<p>Jacobson: [js][ks]<br />
Trickett: [ad][3d]</p>
<p>The board ran out [2c][4s][tc][4c][jh] with Jacobson getting saved on the river. The Swede strode to the rail to celebrate with one of his supporters with a high-five. Jacobson is up to 860,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.58pm: All-in! Call! Oh</b><br />
Martin Jacobson moved all-in from the button for 405,000 and Sam Trickett called from the big blind. Great excitement until the cards were turned over... [ad][6h] for Trickett, [ac][6s] for Jacobson. The board ran a rather uneventful [9s][10h][7h][qc][10d]. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.55pm: Treading carefully</b><br />
Sam Trickett raised under the gun to 60,000 and only Toby Lewis called from the button. Both checked the [8h][ac][qc] flop, and Trickett check-folded when Lewis made it 80,000 on the [6s] turn. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.50pm: That pesky monkey remains</b><br />
There will be no double EPT champion crowned here in Vilamoura as Rob Hollink has been eliminated in 7th place for €55,872. The action folded around to him in the cut-off and he moved all-in for 150,000 and was called by Teddy Sheringham in the SB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Hollink: [ts][8s]<br />
Sheringham: [ah][jh]</p>
<p>The board ran [3d][kh][ad][8c][7s]. The Dutchman got the generous round of applause he deserved and exited stage left. -- MC</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 15,000-30,000, ANTE 3,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>1.45pm: Back from the break</b><br />
Play re-starts after the break.</p>
<p><b>1.38pm: Chips</b><br />
Here is the current state of play:<br />
Teddy Sheringham - 1,900,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,000,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 445,000<br />
Jason Lee - 908,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 3,300,000<br />
Rob Hollink - 175,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 1,360,000</p>
<p><b>1.36pm: Level up</b><br />
That elimination also marked the end of level 23. We're on a 15-minute break for level 24, when blinds will be 15,000-30,000 (3,000 ante). -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.35pm: Sergio Coutinho, eliminated in eighth place for €37,248</b><br />
After a level spent calling all-ins Sam Trickett just eliminated the first player of the day. Sergio Coutinho open-shoved for around 160,000 on the button and Trickett called in the small blind. [8h][6s] for Coutinho against the [ah][8d] of Trickett.</p>
<p>The two players shook hands and waited for the board. It ran [5d][9d][qs][5s][qd]. Coutinho had needed a six or seven after the flop but that was as close as he came to doubling up. Instead he's the first to go. -- SB</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Sam Trickett</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>1.30pm: A stack to play back</b><br />
Two double-ups for Fredrick Jensen means he now has a stack to play back at the big boys - as Toby Lewis just found out. The Dane raised to 50,000 from the hijack to face a button three-bet to 135,000 from Lewis. Fredrick wasn't having any of it, though, and made it 295,000 to go, total. Lewis pulled a face and mucked his hand. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.20pm: No reply</b><br />
A series of hands with no real outcome. Sam Trickett moved all-in from the small blind, much to the irritation of Rob Hollink who had no option but to fold. Then Teddy Sheringham opened for two successive hands with no takers, before Hollink managed to get his chips into the middle, only to find no takers. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.15pm: Straight back on the horse</b><br />
Sam Trickett got straight back into the action after losing that big pot just before. He called a 53,000 button raise from Jason Lee while sat in the BB. The flop came [qs][qh][ac] and Trickett led for 65,000. Call. There was no slowing the Brit down on the [kh] turn as he led for 165,000. Lee went into the tank and ended up folding with a look of pain across his face. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.10pm: Jensen has just the Trickett</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 50,000 in early position and Frederick Jensen made it 90,000 more. With the action back on Trickett he announced all-in which Jensen called in a flash, showing [qc][qd] while Trickett could only muster [jc][jd]. </p>
<p>The board ran [6d][ad][9c][5d][qs] for Jensen's second double up, both of them being through Trickett. Jensen up to 1,100,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.07pm: Video time</b><br />
Brit Toby Lewis introduces the final table...</p>
<center><object width="440" height="253" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" id="videojuicer_seed_pokerstars_presentation_6953"> <param name="movie" value="http://player.videojuicer.com/bootstrap.swf" /> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="flashvars" value="seed_name=pokerstars&presentation_id=6953" /> <param name="name" value="videojuicer_seed_pokerstars_presentation_6953" /> <param name="wmode" value="transparent" /> <embed src="http://player.videojuicer.com/bootstrap.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="seed_name=pokerstars&presentation_id=6953" width="440" height="253" name="videojuicer_seed_pokerstars_presentation_6953" wmode="transparent" /> </object></center><p>
<p><b>1.05pm: Stealing his moves</b><br />
Rob Hollink has the cut of a frustrated man at the moment. His stack has shrunk to 155,000 and he can't find a spot to move all-in because Sam Trickett keeps min-raising in front of him. He therefore he has to find a genuine hand if it's to be three-bet shove as he knows he will be called. Just as we were about to publish this the action folded to Hollink and he moved all-in and managed to take the blinds and antes to increase his stack by around 30%. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1pm: 'We love you, Toby!'</b><br />
Toby Lewis has several railers here including Team PokerStars Pro JP Kelly, <a href="http://www.ukipt.com/leaderboard/">UKIPT leaderboard</a> challenger Chris Brammer and WSOP bracelet winner James Dempsey. It was the latter that just shouted out: "We love you, Toby." The Brits, somewhat unsurprisingly, already have beers in their hands and the railing is likely to get louder - and more liquid - as the day goes by. -- RD </p>
<p><b>12.56pm: Coutinho down</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 53,000 in the cut off which Sergio Coutinho called from the big blind. On the flop of [9d][7h][4d] Coutinho checked to Lewis who bet 60,000. Coutinho called that for a [kd] turn, again checking and then calling Lewis's bet of 135,000. On the [kc] river Coutinho checked again. Lewis bet 280,000 this time which Coutinho called, grimacing as he turned over [8d][qd] for a flush when seeing Lewis's [9c][9h] full house. Coutinho down to 290,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.53pm: Lee less blind</b><br />
Jason Lee took small pot off Martin Jacobson in the blinds. The Swede raised to 62,000 from the SB and the American called from the BB. The flop came [7h][9h][tc] and Jacobson check-folded to a 55,000 bet from Lee. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.50pm: Jacobson squeezes all-in</b><br />
Sam Trickett started this hand with a min raise to 48,000 from middle position. Frederick Jensen called in the cut-off before the action folded round to Martin Jacobson in the big blind who moved all-in for over 500,000. Both players passed. Jensen has dropped 100,000 in the last couple of hands. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.48pm: Sheringham strikes from the small blind</b><br />
Frederick Jensen opened the button for 48,000 and Teddy Sheringham three-bet to 160,000 from the small blind. Lewis looked like he was considering a move but decided against it. Jensen passed and Sheringam adds close to 100,000 to his stack. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.44pm: Lewis wins utg</b><br />
It's as simple as that. Toby Lewis opened the action under the gun and took the blinds with Teddy Sheringham passing his big blind. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.38pm: First of the all-ins</b><br />
The first all-in to be called just featured Frederick Jensen doubling through Sam Trickett. Trickett opened from the button for 48,000 and Jensen moved all-in for a little more than 300,000. Trickett called showing [ac][8c] to Jensen's [kc][7c]. </p>
<p>The board ran [5c][7d][6h][5h][7h], the flop putting Jensen into the lead and the river keeping him there. He's up to nearly 700,000 while Trickett slips to the 3 million mark. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.32pm: Trickett soars into lead</b><br />
To be honest Sam Trickett sort of hopped into the lead he's been craving to claim back after the last hand of yesterday's play. The first hand of the day he raised to 48,000 from early position and was only called by Toby Lewis on the button to see the [qs][2h][ah] flop. Check-check. The turn came [4s] and Trickett led for 58,000 which was good for the pot as Lewis folded. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.28pm: Play begins</b><br />
The EPT Vilamoura final table is under way. We're just hours away from someone winning €467,835. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is not to be sneezed at. Here are your eight finalists... -- SY</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><p></p>
<p><b>12.20pm: Nearly ready</b><br />
The final eight players are now in their seats. Thomas Kremser is making the introductions, we'll be off in around five minutes. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.15pm: What a relief</b><br />
Followers of PokerStars Blog this week will know we've had a spectacular run of fortune, making more than $12million from kindly ladies in Africa wanting help with their deceased fathers' fortunes, plus a cheeky win on an Australian state lottery (which we never entered, but we're keeping quiet about that).</p>
<p>Imagine our horror, therefore, to receive an email at blog@pokerstars.com from FBI Headquarters in Washington. We instantly feared the worst - perhaps the FBI was to tell us we had been conned and our bank accounts were being fleeced.</p>
<p>But no. It turns out this was <i>another</i> piece of good news. Dr Chad L. Fulgham was writing from the FBI to tell us his department had discovered we were owed $6million from China. We're not sure how, but we're certainly not questioning it, although his yahoo.cn email address is a worry (shouldn't it be fbi.com or something?). Nonetheless, we're sending him the $150 he needs to get the ball rolling.</p>
<p>So, we're now up to $18million this week. Quite impressive, we think you'll agree. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.10pm: Delayed start</b><br />
The players are here but not yet ready to play. Chips are on the table but the usual preliminaries are taking a few minutes. Play should be under way soonish. When play does start the blinds will be 12,000-24,000 with a 2,000 ante. -- SB</p>
<p><br />
Welcome back for the final table of EPT Vilamoura, the culmination of five days of play that began with a field of 384. Those players are just a memory now as the last eight emerge to fight it out for a first prize of €467,835. </p>
<p>The leader coming into the final is Englishman Toby Lewis, who last night snatched the chip lead from countryman Sam Trickett at the bell, ahead by just 4,000. Behind them is soccer legend Teddy Sheringham, making the top three an all English affair that we couldn't believe either. The table will line up like this:</p>
<p>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000<br />
Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000<br />
Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000<br />
Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000<br />
Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000<br />
Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000<br />
Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips<br />
Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</p>
<p>Lewis seems confident, or at least he's looking forward to the final. His Facebook status this morning reads: "BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM! 1/8 into the FINAL! Lets f do this 480k euros yes." I think that says it all.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Casino Vilamoura</i></center><br>
<p>And so to it. The players are arriving, well kind of. Martin Jacobson was just seen still eating breakfast back at the hotel and to be honest I can't see any of the others. But we're assured they're on their way, undergoing the rigours of a pre-match photo shoot with Neil Stoddart before taking their seats in Casino Vilamoura's tournament coliseum. </p>
<p>In honour of this momentous occasion the blog team are each decked out in ceremonial battle dress today, complete with staff blazers and ties, decorative sash, plus fours, tricorne hats and campaign medals. All except Rick Dacey, who follows us all making horse noises with two coconut shells. As leader Simon Young is entitled to carry a side arm.</p>
<p>Live coverage will begin shortly. You can find regularly updated chip counts throughout the day on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/chipcount.html">chip count page</a>, while all the results will be posted on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-vilamoura-7-prizewinners-and-payouts.html">prize winners page</a> as we inch nearer to a winner. Fancy starting from the beginning? Then all news from Vilamoura is posted at <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/">this</a> convenient link.</p>
<p><em><strong>PokerStars Blog reporting team at EPT Vilamoura (in order of Octopus eaten this week):</strong> Rick Dacey (1), Stephen Bartley (1), Marc Convey (1 tentacle) and Simon Young (not on your life). Photos by Neil Stoddart.</em></p>"
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["category@term"]=>
string(42) "European Poker Tour season seven Vilamoura"
["category@scheme"]=>
string(36) "http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag"
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array(20) {
["title#"]=>
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["title"]=>
string(35) "EPT Vilamoura: Final table profiles"
["description#"]=>
int(1)
["description"]=>
string(8665) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>The final eight players in the European Poker Tour event in Vilamoura will play down to a winner today. From a field of 384 the last eight include three Englishman, a former International soccer star, a former EPT winner, a Dane, a Swede, an American and a home town hero. They're playing for a €467,835 first prize. Here's how they'll line up. </p>
<p><b>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham is an England soccer legend who scored over 350 goals in a 23-year career that included spells at Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. His achievements in the game include winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. He also played for England 51 times, scored 11 goals and was part of two World Cup squads. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Since turning to poker in recent years, he has some impressive results including his biggest cash - 14th place in last year's WSOP-E Main Event for £40,481. That result was followed a few weeks later with 49th place at EPT London for £ 11,600 and he came 103rd at the EPT Grand Final last season for €20,000. Teddy started Day 4 having already played six holes of golf in the EPT Vilamoura Fairways & Felts Challenge alongside Daniel Negreanu and Marcin Horecki.</p>
<p><b>Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000</b><br />
PokerStars player Toby Lewis, 20, was already thriving when he won a big pot on Day 4 against Swedish PokerStars qualifier (and former chip leader) Martin Jacobson. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Toby Lewis</i></center><br>
<p>Lewis, who hails from Southampton but now lives in London, has played several EPTs and cashed in Prague and the Grand Final last season. He also came 7th at the PokerStars IPT event in Venice for €25,000 and 12th at the recent PokerStars Russian Poker Series event in Riga for €5,250.</p>
<p><b>Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000</b><br />
PokerStars qualifier Martin Jacobson had a rough Day 4, losing several flips which massively dented his stack, but the talented pro has still managed to make the final table. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>He already has a string of great results to his name including third place at EPT Budapest for €197,904, runner-up at WPT Venice last year for €238,840 and a fourth place finish in the World Series $1,500 side event this summer for $183,345. His live tournament winnings are already close to $1 million.</p>
<p><b>Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000</b><br />
Jason doesn't like long-haul flights much so he has only played one EPT before - Copenhagen in Season 5 (and he didn't cash). </p>
<p>He has scored a couple of minor cashes in the live arena with a $2,025 finish in a $1k event at this year's WSOP and another $2,099 in another Vegas tournament in July of this year, but he's mainly an online pro, playing as "JaspudUF". He's cashed for $428,025 in PokerStars tournaments and has made several other five-figure scores. His biggest online win was<br />
$42,000. According to Lee's twitter account, he "loves working out, kickboxing and making people laugh". He's being railed in Vilamoura by his friends Norwegian pro Annette Obrestad and American Scott Montgomery.</p>
<p><b>Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000</b><br />
Coutinho has played two EPTs so far - San Remo and Vilamoura last season - but this is his first EPT cash. He was training in physical education until 2005 and turned pro as a poker player around three years ago. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sergio Coutinho</i></center><br>
<p>This is his best live result but he has made the final of several major online tournaments. He said: "I've been doing well online so I thought eventually I had to make a final table in a live event as well." He has come second and third in major online events as well as coming second in the PokerStars Sunday Second Chance tournament. Last December, he came 11th here in Vilamoura in the €1,000 PokerStars Solverde Poker Season main event.</p>
<p><b>Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000</b><br />
British pro Sam Trickett soared into the lead at EPT Vilamoura when he won a massive pot to knock out Italian Marco Leonzio. That made him the first player to breach the 2,000,000 chip mark. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett has been playing poker, both live and online, for around six years. This is his third EPT, but first cash (he has played the last two EPT London events). His best live result to date was runner-up to Jason DeWitt in the WSOP $5,000 NLHE event this summer for over $500k but he has had several other big scores including fourth place in the 2008 WSOP $5k NLHE event and winning the Luton GUKPT in 2008.</p>
<p><b>Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips</b><br />
Father-of-three Hollink was the first ever EPT Grand Final champion back in Season 1 in 2005. The veteran Dutch pro has played numerous EPTs since but has never mirrored that early success. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="rob_hollink_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rob_hollink_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Rob Hollink</i></center><br>
<p>Before reaching Vilamoura this year, he wrote on his blog that he was likely to bust in the first few days so he would have plenty of time to play golf. How wrong he was. His last EPT cash was San Remo in Season 4. He also became the first ever Dutch WSOP bracelet winner when he won the $10,000 Limit Hold'Em World Championships in 2008 for almost $500,000. He is currently the final table short stack but still in with a chance of being the first ever double EPT champion.</p>
<p><b>Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</b><br />
Also known as Frederik Brink Jensen, this young Danish pro has had a stunning 2010 so far. It's actually the first year he has ever cashed in a major live tournament but he started spectacularly, finishing second at the Aussie Millions for over $1 million. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="fred_jensen_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/fred_jensen_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Frederick Jensen</i></center><br>
<p>In April he had his first ever EPT cash (78th at San Remo for € 13,000) and then two weeks later came third in the €5,000 NLHE side event at the EPT Grand Final for €102,900. His best online result was winning the PokerStars Sunday Million in August 2008 for $205,000. He also came 25th in the SCOOP Main Event this spring.</p>"
["link#"]=>
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string(36) "http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag"
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string(31) "Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:28:01 -0800"
["summary#"]=>
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["summary"]=>
string(8665) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>The final eight players in the European Poker Tour event in Vilamoura will play down to a winner today. From a field of 384 the last eight include three Englishman, a former International soccer star, a former EPT winner, a Dane, a Swede, an American and a home town hero. They're playing for a €467,835 first prize. Here's how they'll line up. </p>
<p><b>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham is an England soccer legend who scored over 350 goals in a 23-year career that included spells at Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. His achievements in the game include winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. He also played for England 51 times, scored 11 goals and was part of two World Cup squads. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Since turning to poker in recent years, he has some impressive results including his biggest cash - 14th place in last year's WSOP-E Main Event for £40,481. That result was followed a few weeks later with 49th place at EPT London for £ 11,600 and he came 103rd at the EPT Grand Final last season for €20,000. Teddy started Day 4 having already played six holes of golf in the EPT Vilamoura Fairways & Felts Challenge alongside Daniel Negreanu and Marcin Horecki.</p>
<p><b>Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000</b><br />
PokerStars player Toby Lewis, 20, was already thriving when he won a big pot on Day 4 against Swedish PokerStars qualifier (and former chip leader) Martin Jacobson. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Toby Lewis</i></center><br>
<p>Lewis, who hails from Southampton but now lives in London, has played several EPTs and cashed in Prague and the Grand Final last season. He also came 7th at the PokerStars IPT event in Venice for €25,000 and 12th at the recent PokerStars Russian Poker Series event in Riga for €5,250.</p>
<p><b>Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000</b><br />
PokerStars qualifier Martin Jacobson had a rough Day 4, losing several flips which massively dented his stack, but the talented pro has still managed to make the final table. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>He already has a string of great results to his name including third place at EPT Budapest for €197,904, runner-up at WPT Venice last year for €238,840 and a fourth place finish in the World Series $1,500 side event this summer for $183,345. His live tournament winnings are already close to $1 million.</p>
<p><b>Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000</b><br />
Jason doesn't like long-haul flights much so he has only played one EPT before - Copenhagen in Season 5 (and he didn't cash). </p>
<p>He has scored a couple of minor cashes in the live arena with a $2,025 finish in a $1k event at this year's WSOP and another $2,099 in another Vegas tournament in July of this year, but he's mainly an online pro, playing as "JaspudUF". He's cashed for $428,025 in PokerStars tournaments and has made several other five-figure scores. His biggest online win was<br />
$42,000. According to Lee's twitter account, he "loves working out, kickboxing and making people laugh". He's being railed in Vilamoura by his friends Norwegian pro Annette Obrestad and American Scott Montgomery.</p>
<p><b>Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000</b><br />
Coutinho has played two EPTs so far - San Remo and Vilamoura last season - but this is his first EPT cash. He was training in physical education until 2005 and turned pro as a poker player around three years ago. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sergio Coutinho</i></center><br>
<p>This is his best live result but he has made the final of several major online tournaments. He said: "I've been doing well online so I thought eventually I had to make a final table in a live event as well." He has come second and third in major online events as well as coming second in the PokerStars Sunday Second Chance tournament. Last December, he came 11th here in Vilamoura in the €1,000 PokerStars Solverde Poker Season main event.</p>
<p><b>Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000</b><br />
British pro Sam Trickett soared into the lead at EPT Vilamoura when he won a massive pot to knock out Italian Marco Leonzio. That made him the first player to breach the 2,000,000 chip mark. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett has been playing poker, both live and online, for around six years. This is his third EPT, but first cash (he has played the last two EPT London events). His best live result to date was runner-up to Jason DeWitt in the WSOP $5,000 NLHE event this summer for over $500k but he has had several other big scores including fourth place in the 2008 WSOP $5k NLHE event and winning the Luton GUKPT in 2008.</p>
<p><b>Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips</b><br />
Father-of-three Hollink was the first ever EPT Grand Final champion back in Season 1 in 2005. The veteran Dutch pro has played numerous EPTs since but has never mirrored that early success. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="rob_hollink_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rob_hollink_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Rob Hollink</i></center><br>
<p>Before reaching Vilamoura this year, he wrote on his blog that he was likely to bust in the first few days so he would have plenty of time to play golf. How wrong he was. His last EPT cash was San Remo in Season 4. He also became the first ever Dutch WSOP bracelet winner when he won the $10,000 Limit Hold'Em World Championships in 2008 for almost $500,000. He is currently the final table short stack but still in with a chance of being the first ever double EPT champion.</p>
<p><b>Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</b><br />
Also known as Frederik Brink Jensen, this young Danish pro has had a stunning 2010 so far. It's actually the first year he has ever cashed in a major live tournament but he started spectacularly, finishing second at the Aussie Millions for over $1 million. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="fred_jensen_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/fred_jensen_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Frederick Jensen</i></center><br>
<p>In April he had his first ever EPT cash (78th at San Remo for € 13,000) and then two weeks later came third in the €5,000 NLHE side event at the EPT Grand Final for €102,900. His best online result was winning the PokerStars Sunday Million in August 2008 for $205,000. He also came 25th in the SCOOP Main Event this spring.</p>"
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string(42) "WCOOP 2010: It's life-changing prize money"
["description#"]=>
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string(4820) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg"><img alt="_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2009/09/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart-thumb-135x202-77857.jpg" width="135" height="202" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Thierry van den Berg</b><br />
When I think about the PokerStars World Championships of Online Poker, I think about the biggest online tournaments of the year and life-changing prize money. Every player can, with a bit of luck, win a large amount of money and the WCOOP will change the life of many people.</p>
<p>For the pro's it's different. Players like me invest large amounts in the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP</a> and we have to make at least one final table to break even. Amateurs, on the other hand, are extremely happy when they make a final table because the money is so huge.</p>
<p>That's the beauty of the WCOOP; pros and amateurs competing together to win the biggest prizes in online poker. The first prize is often more than $100,000 and sometimes more than a $250,000. On the other hand, WCOOP one of toughest series of the year because the fields are so big. More often than not you have no idea who you are playing against but when you get deeper in a tournament the edge of the pros is pretty big. And that's because of our preparations.</p>
<p>WCOOP tournaments will run easily for more than 12 hours and every players needs to be focused the whole time. Everybody gets tired after a 12-hour session and it's just how you handle the pressure while you're exhausted. For amateurs it's tougher to play sessions that long because they simply aren't used to the amount of pressure and the huge prizes. Also, they are more tired than us pros and that's where we have the biggest edge in the WCOOP. That's also one of the reasons that you see a lot of pros at the final tables.</p>
<p>I always try to start fresh at a big tournament. Obviously my goal is to win a tournament and I think you have more chance to win a big tournament when you live a healthy lifestyle. Before I played in the World Series of Poker I already changed my lifestyle. I work out regularly and I make sure I don't eat too much fast food or other food that contains too much fat. I also eat a lot of vegetables. Besides food it's also important to get enough sleep during a tournament series.</p>
<p>I stayed at Palms Place for the last two years during the WSOP and it's perfect for poker players like me. You can get enough rest and you are not living in a casino the whole day. It helps you to focus more on your game and my healthy lifestyle is one of the reasons I have cashed three times in a row in the WSOP Main Event.</p>
<p>For the WCOOP I also try to change my rhythm a little bit. I sleep in the morning or afternoon and I play at night because the WCOOP is mostly during the night. With this rhythm I narrow the edge on the American players who have a big advantage because of the better time zone.</p>
<p>Personally I can't wait 'till the WCOOP starts. I have a couple of nice cashes in the NLHE tournaments and my biggest result is a 2nd place in the $320 single rebuy WCOOP 2nd chance in 2008. I really want to break my personal record and I am ready to put a win on my resume. I still don't have a bracelet around my arm and after a WSOP bracelet, the WCOOP bracelet is the goal of every poker player.</p>
<p>The best tournaments in my eyes are the two-day tournaments. You start with a lot of the chips and the blind structure is so good that it will give us lots of play during the whole tournament. I always feel good in these deepstack tournaments and I am really looking forward to playing in those events. During SCOOP I made Day 2 of the $2,100 NLHE event but unfortunately I came short in 36th place.</p>
<p>Last but not least I want to recommend the satellites to the WCOOP main events. A satellite is ideal because most of the time you can enter a Main Event for less money than the regular buy-in. I played a lot of satellites for bigger events in the past and the money you save with satellites is the first money you win. Satellites are running now and you can find them in the PokerStars Lobby under Events >>WCOOP, or by <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">visiting the official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p>Good luck, and I hope to see you at the tables.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(4820) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg"><img alt="_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2009/09/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart-thumb-135x202-77857.jpg" width="135" height="202" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Thierry van den Berg</b><br />
When I think about the PokerStars World Championships of Online Poker, I think about the biggest online tournaments of the year and life-changing prize money. Every player can, with a bit of luck, win a large amount of money and the WCOOP will change the life of many people.</p>
<p>For the pro's it's different. Players like me invest large amounts in the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP</a> and we have to make at least one final table to break even. Amateurs, on the other hand, are extremely happy when they make a final table because the money is so huge.</p>
<p>That's the beauty of the WCOOP; pros and amateurs competing together to win the biggest prizes in online poker. The first prize is often more than $100,000 and sometimes more than a $250,000. On the other hand, WCOOP one of toughest series of the year because the fields are so big. More often than not you have no idea who you are playing against but when you get deeper in a tournament the edge of the pros is pretty big. And that's because of our preparations.</p>
<p>WCOOP tournaments will run easily for more than 12 hours and every players needs to be focused the whole time. Everybody gets tired after a 12-hour session and it's just how you handle the pressure while you're exhausted. For amateurs it's tougher to play sessions that long because they simply aren't used to the amount of pressure and the huge prizes. Also, they are more tired than us pros and that's where we have the biggest edge in the WCOOP. That's also one of the reasons that you see a lot of pros at the final tables.</p>
<p>I always try to start fresh at a big tournament. Obviously my goal is to win a tournament and I think you have more chance to win a big tournament when you live a healthy lifestyle. Before I played in the World Series of Poker I already changed my lifestyle. I work out regularly and I make sure I don't eat too much fast food or other food that contains too much fat. I also eat a lot of vegetables. Besides food it's also important to get enough sleep during a tournament series.</p>
<p>I stayed at Palms Place for the last two years during the WSOP and it's perfect for poker players like me. You can get enough rest and you are not living in a casino the whole day. It helps you to focus more on your game and my healthy lifestyle is one of the reasons I have cashed three times in a row in the WSOP Main Event.</p>
<p>For the WCOOP I also try to change my rhythm a little bit. I sleep in the morning or afternoon and I play at night because the WCOOP is mostly during the night. With this rhythm I narrow the edge on the American players who have a big advantage because of the better time zone.</p>
<p>Personally I can't wait 'till the WCOOP starts. I have a couple of nice cashes in the NLHE tournaments and my biggest result is a 2nd place in the $320 single rebuy WCOOP 2nd chance in 2008. I really want to break my personal record and I am ready to put a win on my resume. I still don't have a bracelet around my arm and after a WSOP bracelet, the WCOOP bracelet is the goal of every poker player.</p>
<p>The best tournaments in my eyes are the two-day tournaments. You start with a lot of the chips and the blind structure is so good that it will give us lots of play during the whole tournament. I always feel good in these deepstack tournaments and I am really looking forward to playing in those events. During SCOOP I made Day 2 of the $2,100 NLHE event but unfortunately I came short in 36th place.</p>
<p>Last but not least I want to recommend the satellites to the WCOOP main events. A satellite is ideal because most of the time you can enter a Main Event for less money than the regular buy-in. I played a lot of satellites for bigger events in the past and the money you save with satellites is the first money you win. Satellites are running now and you can find them in the PokerStars Lobby under Events >>WCOOP, or by <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">visiting the official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p>Good luck, and I hope to see you at the tables.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(56) "EPT Vilamoura: Lewis leads English trio into last eight "
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string(8603) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p>The English have long been familiar with the Algarve. Travelling here on low-cost budget flights, they ignore the rough landing for a taste of local culture, normally wrapped in a Union Jack, and made crisp by sunshine. A week later, pink on one side, they return to Blighty with nice memories, a bottle of discount Port and a sombrero. For some it's the perfect foreign trip.</p>
<p>Englishman Toby Lewis may not have the sombrero, or the sunburn for that matter, but he looks likely to be leaving Portugal with the happy memories. He leads the field into the final table tomorrow by just two antes, bagging up 3,322,000 this afternoon, the spoils of a whirlwind day that thinned the field from 24 to eight in a little less than five hours. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Toby Lewis</i></center><br>
<p>His wingman on that trip was another Englishman, Sam Trickett. Trickett, who battled for or held the lead for most of the day, amassed his own souvenirs, 3,318,000 of them, after a display which could be summed up using the same words to describe Lewis's performance - brutal, relentless and effective.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>The setting was perfect for their photo finish. Surrounded by cautious short stacks the pair spent the afternoon fleecing and flourishing, pulling in chips from opponents ill-equipped to take them on when the cards wouldn't work in their favour. </p>
<p>But it was not all about youths tearing the place up like holiday teenagers unable to handle the sangria. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Teddy Sheringham may be better known for his exploits on the football field, the England caps, the Champions League goals and a career that sparkles with awards, but he may soon be adding to that success rate on the baize if today's performance is any measure.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sheringham_golf.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sheringham_golf.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Straight down the middle - Sheringham with Daniel Negreanu on the course this morning</i></center><br>
<p>At times lumbered with the short stack, Sheringham, who managed six holes at this morning's <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-golfers-hit-the-fairways-well-most-o-073023.html">Fairways and Felts</a> golf-and-poker contest, steered his way past fearsome opposition, taking chips from court jester Fabrizio Ascari in a highlight six-nine vs. ace-king hand (Sheringham made a ten-high straight), and then from European poker veteran Rob Hollink. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="rob_hollink_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rob_hollink_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Rob Hollink</i></center><br>
<p>Hollink, who won the EPT Grand Final in season one (filmed in black and white), survived the day with 259,000, keeping alive the prospect of a first (dare we say it?) double EPT winner. But Ascari, who seemed to lose his smile today, was unable to take that final step.</p>
<p>The flamboyant Italian has been a highlight in Vilamoura. Often out of sight but never out of earshot, Ascari wanted to be friends with just about everyone. In a game played in isolation this irritated some, but it endeared him to others. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="fabrizio_ascari_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/fabrizio_ascari_d4end.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Fabrizio Ascari</i></center><br>
<p>So what if he took his shirt off for the camera; practised his golf swing on the stage or smoked a cigarette every six hands? This heir apparent was out to enjoy himself from the moment he took his seat, intending to make a run on his luck for as long as he could. It took him into day four and, were it not for a trio of Englishmen, could have carried him further. It would be Sheringham to deliver the coup de grace. The king was dead in tenth place.</p>
<p>Most others had gone before him. Carolyn Gray was the first to depart, soon followed by the likes of Kevin O'Donnell, Grzegorz Cichoki and last lady standing Filipa Lemos. Tom Johansen would follow, as would Nicolo Calia and Guillermo Garcia - the full list being available on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-vilamoura-7-prizewinners-and-payouts.html">prize winners page</a>. </p>
<p>But it was Erik van den Berg who brought the day to a close, seen off by Lewis shortly after the last nine convened around a single table until just eight remained. Van Den Berg's queen-six was crushed by Lewis's king-seven, giving Lewis his narrow overnight lead.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="erik_van_den_berg_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/erik_van_den_berg_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Erik van den Berg</i></center><br>
<p>It makes for an early finish to day four ahead of tomorrow's final table, which will look exactly like this:</p>
<p>Seat 1. Teddy Sheringham - 1,783,000<br />
Seat 2. Toby Lewis - 3,322,000<br />
Seat 3. Martin Jacobson - 441,000<br />
Seat 4. Jason Lee - 1,167,000<br />
Seat 5. Sergio Coutinho - 872,000<br />
Seat 6. Sam Trickett - 3,318,000<br />
Seat 7. Rob Hollink - 259,000<br />
Seat 8. Frederick Jensen - 375,000</p>
<p>In the meantime you can re-live all of the action from today at the following links: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-day-3-level-19-updates-500-072989.html">Level 19 & 20 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-day-4-level-21-updates-800-073015.html">Level 21 & 22 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-day-4-level-23-updates-bli-1-073025.html">Level 23 & 24 updates</a></p>
<p>Tomorrow we'll play down to a winner who'll walk away from here €467,835 richer and a head full of happy thoughts. Can the English one-two-three be defeated? Will we have our first double winner? Find out tomorrow when play resumes at noon. </p>
<p>From the English team our thanks to our foreign cousins here to cover their own, let's face it, slightly less successful players. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.de">German</a> blogger Robin has had nothing to do since Wolfgang Wurzer busted in 32nd place yesterday; Steve the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.nl">Dutch</a> blogger is pinning his hopes on a Dutch-Double; Our <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pt">Portuguese</a> colleague Sergio is counting on namesake Sergio Coutinho to bring home glory to these parts, while Matteo, our <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.it">Italian</a> blogger, is preparing to be buried alongside his new king, Fabrizio Ascari. </p>
<p>Our thanks to Neil Stoddart for the pictures. We Englishmen are off to enjoy that thing they call daylight to get some sunburn on our faces. It'll go nicely with the sunburn on our backs.</p>"
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string(8603) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p>The English have long been familiar with the Algarve. Travelling here on low-cost budget flights, they ignore the rough landing for a taste of local culture, normally wrapped in a Union Jack, and made crisp by sunshine. A week later, pink on one side, they return to Blighty with nice memories, a bottle of discount Port and a sombrero. For some it's the perfect foreign trip.</p>
<p>Englishman Toby Lewis may not have the sombrero, or the sunburn for that matter, but he looks likely to be leaving Portugal with the happy memories. He leads the field into the final table tomorrow by just two antes, bagging up 3,322,000 this afternoon, the spoils of a whirlwind day that thinned the field from 24 to eight in a little less than five hours. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Toby Lewis</i></center><br>
<p>His wingman on that trip was another Englishman, Sam Trickett. Trickett, who battled for or held the lead for most of the day, amassed his own souvenirs, 3,318,000 of them, after a display which could be summed up using the same words to describe Lewis's performance - brutal, relentless and effective.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>The setting was perfect for their photo finish. Surrounded by cautious short stacks the pair spent the afternoon fleecing and flourishing, pulling in chips from opponents ill-equipped to take them on when the cards wouldn't work in their favour. </p>
<p>But it was not all about youths tearing the place up like holiday teenagers unable to handle the sangria. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Teddy Sheringham may be better known for his exploits on the football field, the England caps, the Champions League goals and a career that sparkles with awards, but he may soon be adding to that success rate on the baize if today's performance is any measure.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sheringham_golf.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sheringham_golf.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Straight down the middle - Sheringham with Daniel Negreanu on the course this morning</i></center><br>
<p>At times lumbered with the short stack, Sheringham, who managed six holes at this morning's <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-golfers-hit-the-fairways-well-most-o-073023.html">Fairways and Felts</a> golf-and-poker contest, steered his way past fearsome opposition, taking chips from court jester Fabrizio Ascari in a highlight six-nine vs. ace-king hand (Sheringham made a ten-high straight), and then from European poker veteran Rob Hollink. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="rob_hollink_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rob_hollink_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Rob Hollink</i></center><br>
<p>Hollink, who won the EPT Grand Final in season one (filmed in black and white), survived the day with 259,000, keeping alive the prospect of a first (dare we say it?) double EPT winner. But Ascari, who seemed to lose his smile today, was unable to take that final step.</p>
<p>The flamboyant Italian has been a highlight in Vilamoura. Often out of sight but never out of earshot, Ascari wanted to be friends with just about everyone. In a game played in isolation this irritated some, but it endeared him to others. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="fabrizio_ascari_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/fabrizio_ascari_d4end.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Fabrizio Ascari</i></center><br>
<p>So what if he took his shirt off for the camera; practised his golf swing on the stage or smoked a cigarette every six hands? This heir apparent was out to enjoy himself from the moment he took his seat, intending to make a run on his luck for as long as he could. It took him into day four and, were it not for a trio of Englishmen, could have carried him further. It would be Sheringham to deliver the coup de grace. The king was dead in tenth place.</p>
<p>Most others had gone before him. Carolyn Gray was the first to depart, soon followed by the likes of Kevin O'Donnell, Grzegorz Cichoki and last lady standing Filipa Lemos. Tom Johansen would follow, as would Nicolo Calia and Guillermo Garcia - the full list being available on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-vilamoura-7-prizewinners-and-payouts.html">prize winners page</a>. </p>
<p>But it was Erik van den Berg who brought the day to a close, seen off by Lewis shortly after the last nine convened around a single table until just eight remained. Van Den Berg's queen-six was crushed by Lewis's king-seven, giving Lewis his narrow overnight lead.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="erik_van_den_berg_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/erik_van_den_berg_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Erik van den Berg</i></center><br>
<p>It makes for an early finish to day four ahead of tomorrow's final table, which will look exactly like this:</p>
<p>Seat 1. Teddy Sheringham - 1,783,000<br />
Seat 2. Toby Lewis - 3,322,000<br />
Seat 3. Martin Jacobson - 441,000<br />
Seat 4. Jason Lee - 1,167,000<br />
Seat 5. Sergio Coutinho - 872,000<br />
Seat 6. Sam Trickett - 3,318,000<br />
Seat 7. Rob Hollink - 259,000<br />
Seat 8. Frederick Jensen - 375,000</p>
<p>In the meantime you can re-live all of the action from today at the following links: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-day-3-level-19-updates-500-072989.html">Level 19 & 20 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-day-4-level-21-updates-800-073015.html">Level 21 & 22 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-day-4-level-23-updates-bli-1-073025.html">Level 23 & 24 updates</a></p>
<p>Tomorrow we'll play down to a winner who'll walk away from here €467,835 richer and a head full of happy thoughts. Can the English one-two-three be defeated? Will we have our first double winner? Find out tomorrow when play resumes at noon. </p>
<p>From the English team our thanks to our foreign cousins here to cover their own, let's face it, slightly less successful players. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.de">German</a> blogger Robin has had nothing to do since Wolfgang Wurzer busted in 32nd place yesterday; Steve the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.nl">Dutch</a> blogger is pinning his hopes on a Dutch-Double; Our <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pt">Portuguese</a> colleague Sergio is counting on namesake Sergio Coutinho to bring home glory to these parts, while Matteo, our <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.it">Italian</a> blogger, is preparing to be buried alongside his new king, Fabrizio Ascari. </p>
<p>Our thanks to Neil Stoddart for the pictures. We Englishmen are off to enjoy that thing they call daylight to get some sunburn on our faces. It'll go nicely with the sunburn on our backs.</p>"
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string(68) "EPT golfers hit the fairways (well, most of the time it's the rough)"
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string(3544) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>A host of stars took time away from Solverde Casino today to head for the beautiful Pinhal Golf Course - and the first stage of the PokerStars Fairways and Felts golf-and-poker contest. The €1,100 buy-in event even attracted England football legend Teddy Sheringham, although he had to cut his game short after just six holes to get back in time for the main event where he started the day with 301,000.</p>
<p>The 14 golfers were split into four teams and played the match as a Texas scramble - each player on the team hits their ball, the team chooses the best shot and then everyone takes their next shot (including putts) from that spot.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="negreanu_sheringham_horecki_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/negreanu_sheringham_horecki_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Teddy Sheringham, Daniel Negreanu and Marcin Horecki</center></i><p></p>
<p>The teams were as follows (nationality and handicap in brackets):</p>
<p>A) Team PokerStars Pros Daniel Negreanu (Canada, 11.5) and Marcin Horecki (Poland, 20.8)., Friend of PokerStars Sheringham (UK, 16) and golf pro Tom Larsen (Norway, 0.5)</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="daniel_negreanu_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/daniel_negreanu_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Daniel Negreanu</center></i><p></p>
<p>B) Team PokerStars Pro John Duthie (UK, 24), Joachim Selzer (Germany, 24), former Dutch national team golfer Willem Vork (Netherlands, 2)</p>
<p>C) Team PokerStars Pro Pieter de Korver (Netherlands, 17), James Dempsey (UK, 18), Roderick van Welsun (Netherlands, 2), Eddie Tasbas (Sweden, scratch).</p>
<p>D) Team PokerStars Pro and Challenge host JP Kelly (UK, 24), Jeff Sarwer (Canada, 20), Gary Bain (Canada, 20)</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jp_kelly_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>JP Kelly</center></i><p></p>
<p>Part 2 of the Challenge takes place with a NLHE poker tournament tomorrow back at Solverde Casino in Vilamoura. Non-golfers can still compete in the poker part of the tournament if they wish (for €840), but lose the chance to win bonus chips by performing well on the golf course. Extra chips up for grabs include 500 chips for every stroke under par and 500 chips for the longest drive or putt. A hole-in-one on the 8th hole wins a WCOOP Main Event entry.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="john_duthie_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/john_duthie_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Oldest swinger in town: John Duthie</center></i><p></p>"
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string(42) "European Poker Tour season seven Vilamoura"
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string(3544) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>A host of stars took time away from Solverde Casino today to head for the beautiful Pinhal Golf Course - and the first stage of the PokerStars Fairways and Felts golf-and-poker contest. The €1,100 buy-in event even attracted England football legend Teddy Sheringham, although he had to cut his game short after just six holes to get back in time for the main event where he started the day with 301,000.</p>
<p>The 14 golfers were split into four teams and played the match as a Texas scramble - each player on the team hits their ball, the team chooses the best shot and then everyone takes their next shot (including putts) from that spot.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="negreanu_sheringham_horecki_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/negreanu_sheringham_horecki_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Teddy Sheringham, Daniel Negreanu and Marcin Horecki</center></i><p></p>
<p>The teams were as follows (nationality and handicap in brackets):</p>
<p>A) Team PokerStars Pros Daniel Negreanu (Canada, 11.5) and Marcin Horecki (Poland, 20.8)., Friend of PokerStars Sheringham (UK, 16) and golf pro Tom Larsen (Norway, 0.5)</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="daniel_negreanu_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/daniel_negreanu_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Daniel Negreanu</center></i><p></p>
<p>B) Team PokerStars Pro John Duthie (UK, 24), Joachim Selzer (Germany, 24), former Dutch national team golfer Willem Vork (Netherlands, 2)</p>
<p>C) Team PokerStars Pro Pieter de Korver (Netherlands, 17), James Dempsey (UK, 18), Roderick van Welsun (Netherlands, 2), Eddie Tasbas (Sweden, scratch).</p>
<p>D) Team PokerStars Pro and Challenge host JP Kelly (UK, 24), Jeff Sarwer (Canada, 20), Gary Bain (Canada, 20)</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jp_kelly_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>JP Kelly</center></i><p></p>
<p>Part 2 of the Challenge takes place with a NLHE poker tournament tomorrow back at Solverde Casino in Vilamoura. Non-golfers can still compete in the poker part of the tournament if they wish (for €840), but lose the chance to win bonus chips by performing well on the golf course. Extra chips up for grabs include 500 chips for every stroke under par and 500 chips for the longest drive or putt. A hole-in-one on the 8th hole wins a WCOOP Main Event entry.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="john_duthie_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/john_duthie_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Oldest swinger in town: John Duthie</center></i><p></p>"
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string(71) "EPT Vilamoura: Day 4, level 21 & 22 updates (10,000-20,000, 2,000 ante)"
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string(21024) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>4.28pm: Level over</b><br />
The three minutes passed without any major incidents. </p>
<p><b>4.25pm: Back from break</b><br />
The players are back to play the final three minutes of this level before they head straight into level 23. </p>
<p><b>4.10pm: 15 minute break</b><br />
The players are on a 15 minute break as all the chip stacks are moved to one table.</p>
<p>Final 9 seat draw with chip counts:</p>
<p>Seat 1. Teddy Sheringham - 1,781,000<br />
Seat 2. Erik van den Berg - 180,000<br />
Seat 3. Toby Lewis - 3,084,000<br />
Seat 4. Martin Jacobson - 481,000<br />
Seat 5. Jason Lee - 1,300,000<br />
Seat 6. Sergio Coutinho - 772,000<br />
Seat 7. Sam Trickett - 3,355,000<br />
Seat 8. Rob Hollink - 311,00<br />
Seat 9. Frederick Jensen - 373,000</p>
<p><br />
<b>4.10pm: That bust-out in full</b><br />
Fabrizio Ascari is our final player to get knocked out in double figures with his tenth place finish at the hand of the clinical Teddy Sheringham. The excitable Italian moved all-in under the gun (for the second hand on the bounce) and the action folded to Sheringham in the big blind. Sheringham asked for a count, it was around 250,000 and he calmly made the call with [jh][jd]. If there was touch of the slow roll about it, and there was, then it has to be understood that Ascari had done something similar to Sheringham with ace-king earlier. </p>
<p>Sheringham: [jh][jd]<br />
Ascari: [ts][qh]</p>
<p>Ascari was the player at risk as Sheringham held some 1,500,000 at the start of the hand and the [ad][td][5h] flop gave Ascari some options to catch up, but blank cards on the [3c] turn and [2c] river saw the Italian rise out of his chair for the last time. Table redraw coming up for the final nine players. One more to leave before play stops for the day. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4pm: We're down to nine</b><br />
This is going super quick. We're now nine-handed - details of the latest elimination coming shortly - and the players have re-drawn to a single table. We'll have that re-draw and full counts with after this brief message from our sponsors.</p>
<p><b>3.55pm: No stopping Trickett</b><br />
Sam Trickett is up to 3.2million after busting Marton Czuczor in a pot worth over a million. Tricket min-raised to 40,000 to face a three-bet to 112,000 from his Hungarian neighbour. Trickett moved all-in and Czuczor snap-called. Showdown:</p>
<p>Trickett: [ah][qc]<br />
Czuczor: [th][ts]</p>
<p>The board came [ac][8d][8h][5c][8c]. Czuczor is out 11th place finisher taking home €20,486 for his efforts. </p>
<p><b>3.50pm: Sheringham shoots and scores</b><br />
More for Teddy Sheringham who just won a big pot against Rob Hollink. Sheringham opened for 44,000. Hollink was in the big blind and made it 71,000 more which Sheringham called for a [4c][7s][7c] flop. </p>
<p>Hollink then made it 120,000 which Sheringham called for a [9s] turn. Hollink checked. "How much?" asked Sheringham, Hollink showing 370,000 left. "All-in," announced Sheringham, causing Hollink to instantly flick his cards into the muck. -- SB</p>
<p>Sheringham turned up fresh-faced to the tournament today, despite indulging in some light refreshment with Team PokerStars Blog last night - and also playing golf this morning. He was part of the PokerStars Fairways and Felt event,. and you can read all about that on this <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-golfers-hit-the-fairways-well-most-o-073023.html">rare blog post about golf</a>. -- SY</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Teddy Sheringham (this morning - really)</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>3.45pm: Czuczor's three barrel bluff</b><br />
Marton Czuczor has just three barrelled Sam Trickett in a battle of the blinds. Trickett limped the small blind and Czuczor raised to 60,000. Trickett made the call and check-called 75,000 on the [5s][6s][th] flop. Czuczor fired a larger 150,000 bet at the [ah] turn. Trickett took some time to decide his action before sliding a stack of blue chips across<br />
the line to make the call.</p>
<p>The river brought a second five with the [5d] and Trickett checked for a third time to Czuczor who counted out a 220,000 bet and Trickett called again showing [kh][6h] for two-pair. It's a great call which wins Trickett a million chip pot and he's approaching 3m now. -- RD </p>
<p><b>3.40pm: Lee chops down Garcia</b><br />
Jason Lee has more than doubled-up and knocked out Guillermo Garcia in the process. Garcia was down to his last 73,000 and these went in from early position before Lee moved all-in from the button. But the action wasn't finished there as Martin Jacobson moved all-in from the SB to create a three-way showdown:</p>
<p>Garcia: [qs][5c]<br />
Lee: [ts][tc]<br />
Jacobson: [ad][kc]</p>
<p>The board ran [9c][3s][jc][6c][6s]. Garcia makes his exit in 12th (€20,486), Lee is up to 1.2 million and Jacobson slips further to around 500,000. - MC </p>
<p><b>3.31pm: Oh, Teddy Teddy</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham just boosted his stack to 1.3 million, eliminating Nicolo Calia in the process.</p>
<p>Rob Hollink started it, opening for 53,000. Calia raised from the cut off to 120,000 before Sheringham announced all-in from the small blind. Hollink was forced to pass but Calia called, wincing audibly when he saw Sheringham's [kh][kc]. The Italian could only offer [th][tc].</p>
<p>The board ran [ks][5h][ac][ah][2s] to eliminate the Italian, who was kissed on both cheeks by his countryman Fabrizio Ascari on his way to the payout desk. A big stack for Sheringham. Just 12 players remaining. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.26pm: Big stacks tangle</b><br />
The action folded to Sam Trickett on the button and he min-raised to 40,000 and was called by Toby Lewis in the big blind. Both players checked the board down to the [8s][9h][8c][jd][ts] river which Trickett bet for 20,000. Lewis then check-raised to 67,000 making Trickett fold. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.13pm: Lewis on a tear</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just taken out another player and this time it's Mother Russia that takes the hit as Dmitry Gromov's squeeze walked into a dominating ace. Marton Czuczor opened the pot under the gun for a little over 40,000 and Lewis called before Gromov squeezed all-in for 200,000. Czuczor made the call before Lewis reraised to isolate the action heads up. Czuczor quickly mucked.</p>
<p>Lewis: [ad][qc]<br />
Gromov: [as][js]</p>
<p>The flop dropped [6c][th][jd] and Lewis tipped his head back and growled - yes, he actually growled - and then the [qs] hit the turn and Lewis was all smiles again. The [td] on the river changed nothing and Gromov bowed out in 14th for €16,762. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.05pm: Sheringham doubles</b><br />
Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has doubled-up through Fabrizio Ascari. He open-shoved for 296,000 from the cut-off and sat there while the Italian dwelled over is decision from the next seat. The ex-footballer looked bemused when his opponent starting talking to a figurine he uses for a card protector. After about five minutes he made the call. Showdown:</p>
<p>Sheringham: [9d][6h]<br />
Ascari: [ac][kc]</p>
<p>The board came [8s][tc][2h][4s][7s]. Sheringham spiked a straight on the river to move up to 620,000 chips. The Italian jumped out of his chair and bemoaned his luck. He's down to 270,000 as a result. -- MC</p>
<p><b>3.02pm: Johansen out to Lewis</b><br />
On the next hand Tom Johansen moved all-in from the button for a little more than 200,000, over the top of Toby Lewis' open raise. Not the best timing for the Swede who tabled [jh][qc] to Lewis' [kd][ks]. Lewis and Trickett must be side by side in chips now. -- RD<br />
<br />
<b>3pm: Advantage Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 45,000 from the cut off and Tom Johansen called in the small blind. The flop came [ac][ad][2h]. Johansen checked and Lewis bet 55,000. Johansen then announced "raise," adding another 75,000 on top which Lewis called in no time. The turn came [7h]. Lewis waited patiently as Johansen assembled a bet of 160,000, leaving himself 200,000 behind. Lewis called for a [jc] river card. At this point Johansen checked. In reply Lewis moved all-in. </p>
<p>Johansen went into a long thinking spell, leaning back then forwards, then back again, hands on his head, thinking things over. Eventually, after the clock was called, he folded, sending the chips to Lewis who now breaks the 2 million mark. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.55pm: Now we've won the lottery</b><br />
We don't actually recall entering the Australian State Lottery, but we seem to have won it, according the Rev Morgan Costa who kindly emailed us at blog@pokerstars.com. So on top of the $11.7million we're going to get this week from recently-orphaned African women, we can now add $500,000 from the lottery. We've sent off our personal details and await the money.</p>
<p> It really has been quite a week for PokerStars Blog writers. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.50pm: Back from break</b><br />
Full chips counts are being posted.</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 10,000-20,000, ANTE 2,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>2.37pm: Break</b><br />
That's the end of level 21. Level 22 will be with you in around 15 minutes. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.36pm: 'Sorry if it's a slow-roll'</b><br />
Sam Trickett has taken down monster pot five minutes in to the break to bust Italian Marco Leonzio. Trickett raised to 42,000 from mid-position to face a three-bet to 90,000 from Leonzio on the button. His response was to four-bet to 160,000 and the Italian called quickly.</p>
<p>On the [3h][qd][8s] flop Trickett led for 105,000 to face a quick 602,000 all-in bet from the Italian. Trickett took his time and kept asking his opponent if he'd show if he folded but he got no response. The Brit said he had a big hand and apologised if this turned out to be a slow-toll. It looked like he was about to fold when the word "Call" came out of his mouth.</p>
<p>Trickett tabled [ks][kd] and Leonzio opened [9h][9d]. The board ran out [7c][tc] to see Trickett take down the biggest pot of the tournament so far to take the chip lead with 2million chips. -- MC</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilamoura_day 4_sam trickett.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_5813_Sam_Trickett_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Sam Trickett: huge 2m chip stack leading the field</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>2.35pm: Ascari on silent running</b><br />
Fabrizio Ascari, quieter than he has been these last few days, opened for 41,000. Rob Hollink then called from the button for a flop of [3s][kc][qd]. Ascari checked and Hollink bet 50,000 which Ascari wasted no time in calling. The turn came [qc]. Both checked that and the [8d] river, Ascari showing [ks][td] to take the pot as Hollink folded his hand. Ascari up to around 550,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.33pm: Down to two tables</b></p>
<p><strong>Table 1</strong><br />
1. Tom Johansen<br />
2. Sergio Coutinho<br />
3. Frederick Jensen<br />
4. Sam Trickett<br />
5. Marton Czuczor <br />
6. Toby Lewis<br />
7. Marco Leonzio <br />
8. Dmitry Gromov </p>
<p><strong>Table 2</strong><br />
1. Teddy Sheringham - 310,000<br />
2. Fabrizio Ascari - 610,000<br />
3. Jason Lee - 410,000<br />
4. Martin Jacobson - 840,000<br />
5. Rob Hollink - 480,000<br />
6. Erik Van Den Berg - 312,000<br />
7. Nicolo Calia - 660,000<br />
8. Guillermo Garcia - 480,000</p>
<p>End of the level in 3 minutes where a full chip count will take place. Toby Lewis is still chip leader and has second (Marton Czuczor) and third (Sam Trickett) in the two seats to his right. Trickett will need a top three finish just to cover his massage bill here - he seems to have been getting his neck rubbed for the majority of the last two days. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.28pm: Last lady falls</b><br />
Filipa Lemos was the last lady standing in the tournament but she has just fallen to fellow countryman Sergio Coutinho. She opened shoved for around 200,000 with [5h][5c] but ran into Countinho's [qd][qs]. The board ran [th][9h][4h][2c][js]. She received a generous round of applause as she left. </p>
<p>We're down to two tables now and a seat draw is on the way shortly. -- MC</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilmoura_day 4_filipa lemos.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_5824_Filipa_Cerqueira_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Filipa Lemos was the last lady standing in 17th</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>2.25pm: The Sheringham shove</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham just moved all in on the button for just short of 300,000. Jason Lee was in the small blind and spent several minutes pondering the call but instead passed. Sheringham up to 320,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.22pm: The bank of Jacobson</b><br />
Martin Jacobson had doubled-up another player as his stack continues to spiral downwards. He raised to 41,000 from the hijack and called when Erik van den Berg moved all-in for 160,000. Showdown:</p>
<p>Jacobson: [4h][4d]<br />
Van Den Berg: [ah][jc]</p>
<p>The board ran [9h][2d][kd][ac][9s]. The Dutchman withdraws from the Swedish bank to the tune of 330,000. Jacobson's balance is down to 720,000 chips. -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.20pm: Man down!</b><br />
This time it's Konsta Vesterinen who has bitten the dust. He open-raised to 33,000 and Marton Czuczor re-raised to 80,000. Vesterinen then made it 210,000, Czuczoe moved all in and the Finn called.</p>
<p>Czuczor: [qd][qh]<br />
Vesterinen: [ah][kc]</p>
<p>It was an expensive race at this stage of a tournament as the board ran [8s][4s][7h][10c][qs] to dump Vesterinen on the rail. Czuczor, meanwhile, moves up to 1.35million. We're down to 17. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.17pm: Toby and Tom</b><br />
Tom Johansen opened for 32,000 which Toby Lewis called in the big blind. The flop came [qh][6h][kd] which Lewis checked before Johansen made it 50,000 to play. Lewis called for a [4h] which both players checked. On the [6d] river Lewis bet 62,000. Johansen sat back, then forward, his shoulders hunched, then after a few minutes called. Lewis showed [ks][8s]. Johansen mucked without showing. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.15pm: Garcia loves a race</b><br />
Guillermo Garcia must have a weighted coin because every flip I've seen him get involved in he's come out on top. This one was no different. Erik Van Den Berg opened to 37,000 and Garcia moved all-in for 275,000. Van Den Berg made the call, leaving himself with 160,000. </p>
<p>Van Den Berg: [ts][th]<br />
Garcia: [ad][ks]</p>
<p>Garcia instantly went a head on the [ah][8d][6h] flop and Van Den Berg counted catch up as the turn and river ran out [7h][js]. Garcia is up to 570,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.05pm: British millionaires</b><br />
Toby Lewis is bashing up his new table by raising consistently, utilising his chip lead well. Over on the next table fellow Brit Sam Trickett has made an excellent recovery after losing that big pot early on and has just passed the million chip mark himself.</p>
<p>He called a 32,000 under-the-gun raise from Sergio Coutinho whilst sat in the bb. The flop came [td][6c][9d] and Trickett led out for 41,000. Call. The turn came [6s] and both men checked to the [jh] river where Trickett led for 60,000. The Portuguese player though for two minutes but let his hand go. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.54pm: Garcia getting pummelled</b><br />
I've seen Guillermo Garcia get three-bet several preflop raises now. The Spaniard looks demoralised and was just pulled to one side by Team POkerStars Pro Juan Maceiras for a quick pep talk. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.47pm: Lemos!</b><br />
Filipa Lemos just doubled up through Teddy Sheringham. Lemos moved in from the small blind for 100,000 with [ah][7c] and Sheringham called with [4h][4s] from the big blind. The board ran [7s][6d][tc][3h][as] to the delight of Lemos. Sheringham down to 275,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.45pm: More good fortune for bloggers</b><br />
A lovely lady called Miss Josiane Adama from the Ivory Coast has written to blog@pokerstars.com to offer us a lump of her $3.5million fortune, left to her by her father. He's yet another of these African business who has died in a tragic accident. I don't believe there can be many African businessmen left alive.</p>
<p>Anyway, we've sent off our bank details as Miss Adama requested, and I believe Team PokerStars Blog is now up for the week to the tune of $11.7million.</p>
<p>As Miss Adama said: "May God bless you as you extend your helping hand to the needy." What a woman! -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.38pm: Chip lead swings to Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just become the chip ledaer here in Vilamoura but was put through the wringer in doing so. Lewis had raised under the gun to 37,000 and was three-bet by Martin Jacobson to 87,000. So far, so standard. Lewis thought for a short while before grabbing a stack of blue 10,000 chips topped them with a few yellow 5,000 chips and made it 170,000. Jacobson moved all-in and Lewis made the call quickly turning [qs][qc]. Jacobson rolled over [as][kc] and Lewis pulled a face that seemed to encapsulate the notion: "Oh good, I'm flipping for a 1.46m pot in the last 18 of an EPT." </p>
<p>The flop hammered Lewis in the face with top set on a [qd][jd][9d] flop. Then the turn dropped a gutshot to give Jacobson Broadway with the [tc]. Lewis started to look unwell but then a second ten, the [ts], appeared on the river giving Lewis queens full and a 1,460,000 king-sized stack. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.34pm: Bad timing</b><br />
PokerStars qualifier Robert Cezarescu was down to his last 260,000 and these found their way in to middle. But unfortunately for him Marton Czuczor looked down and saw [as][ad] and made the call. Cezarescu had [7c][7s] and the board ran [qc][4c][5d][8h][2c]. Cezarescu is our 19th place finisher taking home €11,174. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.30pm: Unlucky Cichocki</b><br />
Grzegorz Cichocki opened for 36,000 from the cut off and 203 moved all in from the big blind. With the action back on Cichocki he announced he would call the 372,000 more, turning over [ad][9d]. Trickett had that beat though, showing [ah][qc]. </p>
<p>The board ran [6h][jh][6c][4s][2s] doubling Trickett but leaving Cichocki with just 15,000 chips. Inevitably they went in on the next hand but having found pocket jacks Cichocki quadrupled up when Trickett called with ace-six. This revival only lasted one hand though. On the next he shoved and let Trickett and Frederick Jensen check their way to the river, where Trickett bet to make it a heads up showdown. On a board of [4s][js][td][jc][qd] Ticket showed [ks][qh], easily defeating Cichocki's pair of sevens. </p>
<p>Cichocki out. 19 players remain. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.25pm: Cecchi out</b><br />
Claudio Cecchi hardly had enough time to settle back in his seat after the break before he was making his way to the cash desk. Konsta Vesterinen raised, Cecchi shoved for 180,000 with [ah][10h] and the man from Finland with [kd][qh].</p>
<p>The Italian was looking in good shape, with the [5s][7h][10c] flop serving only to confirm his lead. The turn was a harmless [jh] (although it did offer Vesterinen an open-ended straight draw, but it was the [qd] on the river which did the damage.</p>
<p>Cecchi is our 21st-place finisher, collecting €11,174. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.17pm: Play resumes</b><br />
The players are back from break to play what will be the first full level of the day. 21 players still remain and no one has managed to catch up to overnight chip leader Martin Jacobson who is still half a million chips clear of his nearest rival. -- MC</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="_MG_5925_Rob_Hollink_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_5925_Rob_Hollink_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Rob Hollink dreaming of a second EPT Title</center></i><p></p>
<p><br />
<em><strong>PokerStars Blog reporting team at EPT Vilamoura (in order of Club sandwiches consumed this week):</strong> Marc Convey - 2, Stephen Bartley - 3, Rick Dacey - 5 and Simon Young - do numbers go that high? . Photos (c) Neil Stoddart.</em></p>"
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string(42) "European Poker Tour season seven Vilamoura"
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string(21024) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>4.28pm: Level over</b><br />
The three minutes passed without any major incidents. </p>
<p><b>4.25pm: Back from break</b><br />
The players are back to play the final three minutes of this level before they head straight into level 23. </p>
<p><b>4.10pm: 15 minute break</b><br />
The players are on a 15 minute break as all the chip stacks are moved to one table.</p>
<p>Final 9 seat draw with chip counts:</p>
<p>Seat 1. Teddy Sheringham - 1,781,000<br />
Seat 2. Erik van den Berg - 180,000<br />
Seat 3. Toby Lewis - 3,084,000<br />
Seat 4. Martin Jacobson - 481,000<br />
Seat 5. Jason Lee - 1,300,000<br />
Seat 6. Sergio Coutinho - 772,000<br />
Seat 7. Sam Trickett - 3,355,000<br />
Seat 8. Rob Hollink - 311,00<br />
Seat 9. Frederick Jensen - 373,000</p>
<p><br />
<b>4.10pm: That bust-out in full</b><br />
Fabrizio Ascari is our final player to get knocked out in double figures with his tenth place finish at the hand of the clinical Teddy Sheringham. The excitable Italian moved all-in under the gun (for the second hand on the bounce) and the action folded to Sheringham in the big blind. Sheringham asked for a count, it was around 250,000 and he calmly made the call with [jh][jd]. If there was touch of the slow roll about it, and there was, then it has to be understood that Ascari had done something similar to Sheringham with ace-king earlier. </p>
<p>Sheringham: [jh][jd]<br />
Ascari: [ts][qh]</p>
<p>Ascari was the player at risk as Sheringham held some 1,500,000 at the start of the hand and the [ad][td][5h] flop gave Ascari some options to catch up, but blank cards on the [3c] turn and [2c] river saw the Italian rise out of his chair for the last time. Table redraw coming up for the final nine players. One more to leave before play stops for the day. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4pm: We're down to nine</b><br />
This is going super quick. We're now nine-handed - details of the latest elimination coming shortly - and the players have re-drawn to a single table. We'll have that re-draw and full counts with after this brief message from our sponsors.</p>
<p><b>3.55pm: No stopping Trickett</b><br />
Sam Trickett is up to 3.2million after busting Marton Czuczor in a pot worth over a million. Tricket min-raised to 40,000 to face a three-bet to 112,000 from his Hungarian neighbour. Trickett moved all-in and Czuczor snap-called. Showdown:</p>
<p>Trickett: [ah][qc]<br />
Czuczor: [th][ts]</p>
<p>The board came [ac][8d][8h][5c][8c]. Czuczor is out 11th place finisher taking home €20,486 for his efforts. </p>
<p><b>3.50pm: Sheringham shoots and scores</b><br />
More for Teddy Sheringham who just won a big pot against Rob Hollink. Sheringham opened for 44,000. Hollink was in the big blind and made it 71,000 more which Sheringham called for a [4c][7s][7c] flop. </p>
<p>Hollink then made it 120,000 which Sheringham called for a [9s] turn. Hollink checked. "How much?" asked Sheringham, Hollink showing 370,000 left. "All-in," announced Sheringham, causing Hollink to instantly flick his cards into the muck. -- SB</p>
<p>Sheringham turned up fresh-faced to the tournament today, despite indulging in some light refreshment with Team PokerStars Blog last night - and also playing golf this morning. He was part of the PokerStars Fairways and Felt event,. and you can read all about that on this <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-golfers-hit-the-fairways-well-most-o-073023.html">rare blog post about golf</a>. -- SY</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_golf_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_golf_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Teddy Sheringham (this morning - really)</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>3.45pm: Czuczor's three barrel bluff</b><br />
Marton Czuczor has just three barrelled Sam Trickett in a battle of the blinds. Trickett limped the small blind and Czuczor raised to 60,000. Trickett made the call and check-called 75,000 on the [5s][6s][th] flop. Czuczor fired a larger 150,000 bet at the [ah] turn. Trickett took some time to decide his action before sliding a stack of blue chips across<br />
the line to make the call.</p>
<p>The river brought a second five with the [5d] and Trickett checked for a third time to Czuczor who counted out a 220,000 bet and Trickett called again showing [kh][6h] for two-pair. It's a great call which wins Trickett a million chip pot and he's approaching 3m now. -- RD </p>
<p><b>3.40pm: Lee chops down Garcia</b><br />
Jason Lee has more than doubled-up and knocked out Guillermo Garcia in the process. Garcia was down to his last 73,000 and these went in from early position before Lee moved all-in from the button. But the action wasn't finished there as Martin Jacobson moved all-in from the SB to create a three-way showdown:</p>
<p>Garcia: [qs][5c]<br />
Lee: [ts][tc]<br />
Jacobson: [ad][kc]</p>
<p>The board ran [9c][3s][jc][6c][6s]. Garcia makes his exit in 12th (€20,486), Lee is up to 1.2 million and Jacobson slips further to around 500,000. - MC </p>
<p><b>3.31pm: Oh, Teddy Teddy</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham just boosted his stack to 1.3 million, eliminating Nicolo Calia in the process.</p>
<p>Rob Hollink started it, opening for 53,000. Calia raised from the cut off to 120,000 before Sheringham announced all-in from the small blind. Hollink was forced to pass but Calia called, wincing audibly when he saw Sheringham's [kh][kc]. The Italian could only offer [th][tc].</p>
<p>The board ran [ks][5h][ac][ah][2s] to eliminate the Italian, who was kissed on both cheeks by his countryman Fabrizio Ascari on his way to the payout desk. A big stack for Sheringham. Just 12 players remaining. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.26pm: Big stacks tangle</b><br />
The action folded to Sam Trickett on the button and he min-raised to 40,000 and was called by Toby Lewis in the big blind. Both players checked the board down to the [8s][9h][8c][jd][ts] river which Trickett bet for 20,000. Lewis then check-raised to 67,000 making Trickett fold. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.13pm: Lewis on a tear</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just taken out another player and this time it's Mother Russia that takes the hit as Dmitry Gromov's squeeze walked into a dominating ace. Marton Czuczor opened the pot under the gun for a little over 40,000 and Lewis called before Gromov squeezed all-in for 200,000. Czuczor made the call before Lewis reraised to isolate the action heads up. Czuczor quickly mucked.</p>
<p>Lewis: [ad][qc]<br />
Gromov: [as][js]</p>
<p>The flop dropped [6c][th][jd] and Lewis tipped his head back and growled - yes, he actually growled - and then the [qs] hit the turn and Lewis was all smiles again. The [td] on the river changed nothing and Gromov bowed out in 14th for €16,762. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.05pm: Sheringham doubles</b><br />
Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has doubled-up through Fabrizio Ascari. He open-shoved for 296,000 from the cut-off and sat there while the Italian dwelled over is decision from the next seat. The ex-footballer looked bemused when his opponent starting talking to a figurine he uses for a card protector. After about five minutes he made the call. Showdown:</p>
<p>Sheringham: [9d][6h]<br />
Ascari: [ac][kc]</p>
<p>The board came [8s][tc][2h][4s][7s]. Sheringham spiked a straight on the river to move up to 620,000 chips. The Italian jumped out of his chair and bemoaned his luck. He's down to 270,000 as a result. -- MC</p>
<p><b>3.02pm: Johansen out to Lewis</b><br />
On the next hand Tom Johansen moved all-in from the button for a little more than 200,000, over the top of Toby Lewis' open raise. Not the best timing for the Swede who tabled [jh][qc] to Lewis' [kd][ks]. Lewis and Trickett must be side by side in chips now. -- RD<br />
<br />
<b>3pm: Advantage Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 45,000 from the cut off and Tom Johansen called in the small blind. The flop came [ac][ad][2h]. Johansen checked and Lewis bet 55,000. Johansen then announced "raise," adding another 75,000 on top which Lewis called in no time. The turn came [7h]. Lewis waited patiently as Johansen assembled a bet of 160,000, leaving himself 200,000 behind. Lewis called for a [jc] river card. At this point Johansen checked. In reply Lewis moved all-in. </p>
<p>Johansen went into a long thinking spell, leaning back then forwards, then back again, hands on his head, thinking things over. Eventually, after the clock was called, he folded, sending the chips to Lewis who now breaks the 2 million mark. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.55pm: Now we've won the lottery</b><br />
We don't actually recall entering the Australian State Lottery, but we seem to have won it, according the Rev Morgan Costa who kindly emailed us at blog@pokerstars.com. So on top of the $11.7million we're going to get this week from recently-orphaned African women, we can now add $500,000 from the lottery. We've sent off our personal details and await the money.</p>
<p> It really has been quite a week for PokerStars Blog writers. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.50pm: Back from break</b><br />
Full chips counts are being posted.</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 10,000-20,000, ANTE 2,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>2.37pm: Break</b><br />
That's the end of level 21. Level 22 will be with you in around 15 minutes. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.36pm: 'Sorry if it's a slow-roll'</b><br />
Sam Trickett has taken down monster pot five minutes in to the break to bust Italian Marco Leonzio. Trickett raised to 42,000 from mid-position to face a three-bet to 90,000 from Leonzio on the button. His response was to four-bet to 160,000 and the Italian called quickly.</p>
<p>On the [3h][qd][8s] flop Trickett led for 105,000 to face a quick 602,000 all-in bet from the Italian. Trickett took his time and kept asking his opponent if he'd show if he folded but he got no response. The Brit said he had a big hand and apologised if this turned out to be a slow-toll. It looked like he was about to fold when the word "Call" came out of his mouth.</p>
<p>Trickett tabled [ks][kd] and Leonzio opened [9h][9d]. The board ran out [7c][tc] to see Trickett take down the biggest pot of the tournament so far to take the chip lead with 2million chips. -- MC</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilamoura_day 4_sam trickett.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_5813_Sam_Trickett_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Sam Trickett: huge 2m chip stack leading the field</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>2.35pm: Ascari on silent running</b><br />
Fabrizio Ascari, quieter than he has been these last few days, opened for 41,000. Rob Hollink then called from the button for a flop of [3s][kc][qd]. Ascari checked and Hollink bet 50,000 which Ascari wasted no time in calling. The turn came [qc]. Both checked that and the [8d] river, Ascari showing [ks][td] to take the pot as Hollink folded his hand. Ascari up to around 550,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.33pm: Down to two tables</b></p>
<p><strong>Table 1</strong><br />
1. Tom Johansen<br />
2. Sergio Coutinho<br />
3. Frederick Jensen<br />
4. Sam Trickett<br />
5. Marton Czuczor <br />
6. Toby Lewis<br />
7. Marco Leonzio <br />
8. Dmitry Gromov </p>
<p><strong>Table 2</strong><br />
1. Teddy Sheringham - 310,000<br />
2. Fabrizio Ascari - 610,000<br />
3. Jason Lee - 410,000<br />
4. Martin Jacobson - 840,000<br />
5. Rob Hollink - 480,000<br />
6. Erik Van Den Berg - 312,000<br />
7. Nicolo Calia - 660,000<br />
8. Guillermo Garcia - 480,000</p>
<p>End of the level in 3 minutes where a full chip count will take place. Toby Lewis is still chip leader and has second (Marton Czuczor) and third (Sam Trickett) in the two seats to his right. Trickett will need a top three finish just to cover his massage bill here - he seems to have been getting his neck rubbed for the majority of the last two days. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.28pm: Last lady falls</b><br />
Filipa Lemos was the last lady standing in the tournament but she has just fallen to fellow countryman Sergio Coutinho. She opened shoved for around 200,000 with [5h][5c] but ran into Countinho's [qd][qs]. The board ran [th][9h][4h][2c][js]. She received a generous round of applause as she left. </p>
<p>We're down to two tables now and a seat draw is on the way shortly. -- MC</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilmoura_day 4_filipa lemos.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_5824_Filipa_Cerqueira_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Filipa Lemos was the last lady standing in 17th</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>2.25pm: The Sheringham shove</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham just moved all in on the button for just short of 300,000. Jason Lee was in the small blind and spent several minutes pondering the call but instead passed. Sheringham up to 320,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.22pm: The bank of Jacobson</b><br />
Martin Jacobson had doubled-up another player as his stack continues to spiral downwards. He raised to 41,000 from the hijack and called when Erik van den Berg moved all-in for 160,000. Showdown:</p>
<p>Jacobson: [4h][4d]<br />
Van Den Berg: [ah][jc]</p>
<p>The board ran [9h][2d][kd][ac][9s]. The Dutchman withdraws from the Swedish bank to the tune of 330,000. Jacobson's balance is down to 720,000 chips. -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.20pm: Man down!</b><br />
This time it's Konsta Vesterinen who has bitten the dust. He open-raised to 33,000 and Marton Czuczor re-raised to 80,000. Vesterinen then made it 210,000, Czuczoe moved all in and the Finn called.</p>
<p>Czuczor: [qd][qh]<br />
Vesterinen: [ah][kc]</p>
<p>It was an expensive race at this stage of a tournament as the board ran [8s][4s][7h][10c][qs] to dump Vesterinen on the rail. Czuczor, meanwhile, moves up to 1.35million. We're down to 17. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.17pm: Toby and Tom</b><br />
Tom Johansen opened for 32,000 which Toby Lewis called in the big blind. The flop came [qh][6h][kd] which Lewis checked before Johansen made it 50,000 to play. Lewis called for a [4h] which both players checked. On the [6d] river Lewis bet 62,000. Johansen sat back, then forward, his shoulders hunched, then after a few minutes called. Lewis showed [ks][8s]. Johansen mucked without showing. -- SB</p>
<p><b>2.15pm: Garcia loves a race</b><br />
Guillermo Garcia must have a weighted coin because every flip I've seen him get involved in he's come out on top. This one was no different. Erik Van Den Berg opened to 37,000 and Garcia moved all-in for 275,000. Van Den Berg made the call, leaving himself with 160,000. </p>
<p>Van Den Berg: [ts][th]<br />
Garcia: [ad][ks]</p>
<p>Garcia instantly went a head on the [ah][8d][6h] flop and Van Den Berg counted catch up as the turn and river ran out [7h][js]. Garcia is up to 570,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.05pm: British millionaires</b><br />
Toby Lewis is bashing up his new table by raising consistently, utilising his chip lead well. Over on the next table fellow Brit Sam Trickett has made an excellent recovery after losing that big pot early on and has just passed the million chip mark himself.</p>
<p>He called a 32,000 under-the-gun raise from Sergio Coutinho whilst sat in the bb. The flop came [td][6c][9d] and Trickett led out for 41,000. Call. The turn came [6s] and both men checked to the [jh] river where Trickett led for 60,000. The Portuguese player though for two minutes but let his hand go. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.54pm: Garcia getting pummelled</b><br />
I've seen Guillermo Garcia get three-bet several preflop raises now. The Spaniard looks demoralised and was just pulled to one side by Team POkerStars Pro Juan Maceiras for a quick pep talk. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.47pm: Lemos!</b><br />
Filipa Lemos just doubled up through Teddy Sheringham. Lemos moved in from the small blind for 100,000 with [ah][7c] and Sheringham called with [4h][4s] from the big blind. The board ran [7s][6d][tc][3h][as] to the delight of Lemos. Sheringham down to 275,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.45pm: More good fortune for bloggers</b><br />
A lovely lady called Miss Josiane Adama from the Ivory Coast has written to blog@pokerstars.com to offer us a lump of her $3.5million fortune, left to her by her father. He's yet another of these African business who has died in a tragic accident. I don't believe there can be many African businessmen left alive.</p>
<p>Anyway, we've sent off our bank details as Miss Adama requested, and I believe Team PokerStars Blog is now up for the week to the tune of $11.7million.</p>
<p>As Miss Adama said: "May God bless you as you extend your helping hand to the needy." What a woman! -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.38pm: Chip lead swings to Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just become the chip ledaer here in Vilamoura but was put through the wringer in doing so. Lewis had raised under the gun to 37,000 and was three-bet by Martin Jacobson to 87,000. So far, so standard. Lewis thought for a short while before grabbing a stack of blue 10,000 chips topped them with a few yellow 5,000 chips and made it 170,000. Jacobson moved all-in and Lewis made the call quickly turning [qs][qc]. Jacobson rolled over [as][kc] and Lewis pulled a face that seemed to encapsulate the notion: "Oh good, I'm flipping for a 1.46m pot in the last 18 of an EPT." </p>
<p>The flop hammered Lewis in the face with top set on a [qd][jd][9d] flop. Then the turn dropped a gutshot to give Jacobson Broadway with the [tc]. Lewis started to look unwell but then a second ten, the [ts], appeared on the river giving Lewis queens full and a 1,460,000 king-sized stack. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.34pm: Bad timing</b><br />
PokerStars qualifier Robert Cezarescu was down to his last 260,000 and these found their way in to middle. But unfortunately for him Marton Czuczor looked down and saw [as][ad] and made the call. Cezarescu had [7c][7s] and the board ran [qc][4c][5d][8h][2c]. Cezarescu is our 19th place finisher taking home €11,174. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.30pm: Unlucky Cichocki</b><br />
Grzegorz Cichocki opened for 36,000 from the cut off and 203 moved all in from the big blind. With the action back on Cichocki he announced he would call the 372,000 more, turning over [ad][9d]. Trickett had that beat though, showing [ah][qc]. </p>
<p>The board ran [6h][jh][6c][4s][2s] doubling Trickett but leaving Cichocki with just 15,000 chips. Inevitably they went in on the next hand but having found pocket jacks Cichocki quadrupled up when Trickett called with ace-six. This revival only lasted one hand though. On the next he shoved and let Trickett and Frederick Jensen check their way to the river, where Trickett bet to make it a heads up showdown. On a board of [4s][js][td][jc][qd] Ticket showed [ks][qh], easily defeating Cichocki's pair of sevens. </p>
<p>Cichocki out. 19 players remain. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.25pm: Cecchi out</b><br />
Claudio Cecchi hardly had enough time to settle back in his seat after the break before he was making his way to the cash desk. Konsta Vesterinen raised, Cecchi shoved for 180,000 with [ah][10h] and the man from Finland with [kd][qh].</p>
<p>The Italian was looking in good shape, with the [5s][7h][10c] flop serving only to confirm his lead. The turn was a harmless [jh] (although it did offer Vesterinen an open-ended straight draw, but it was the [qd] on the river which did the damage.</p>
<p>Cecchi is our 21st-place finisher, collecting €11,174. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.17pm: Play resumes</b><br />
The players are back from break to play what will be the first full level of the day. 21 players still remain and no one has managed to catch up to overnight chip leader Martin Jacobson who is still half a million chips clear of his nearest rival. -- MC</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="_MG_5925_Rob_Hollink_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_5925_Rob_Hollink_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Rob Hollink dreaming of a second EPT Title</center></i><p></p>
<p><br />
<em><strong>PokerStars Blog reporting team at EPT Vilamoura (in order of Club sandwiches consumed this week):</strong> Marc Convey - 2, Stephen Bartley - 3, Rick Dacey - 5 and Simon Young - do numbers go that high? . Photos (c) Neil Stoddart.</em></p>"
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string(72) ""Lil' Holdem" Makes a "Lil' Money" at the August 31 Super Tuesday Final "
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string(14027) "<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Super Tuesday logo.png" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Super%20Tuesday%20logo.png" class="mt-image-left" style="margin: 0pt 20px 20px 0pt; float: left;" width="120" height="92" /></span>The $300k guaranteed, Super Tuesday may have been slightly down from <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/super_tuesday/2010/super-tuesday-82410---roberts34-wins-after-3-way-deal-072769.html">last week's</a> massive $430k prize pool, but the high stakes weekly tournament still managed to surpass the guarantee by $53k. In spite of the smaller prize pool and the heavy live action playing out at <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/">EPT Vilamoura </a>many of Team PokerStars' finest shelled out the $1,050 entry fee to compete for the nearly $70k first-place prize. Alas, the Team was unable to really get things going this Tuesday. And even though three PokerStars Pros managed to make it past the money bubble, Gualter Salles (40th for $2,118), Christophe De Meulder (32nd for $2,294.50) and Pierre Neuville (23rd for $2,647.50), when the final 18 players started to play down to nine there was not a red spade to be found. However, even without PokerStars Team Pro representation the final table bubble was no less exciting. <br /><br /><b>Super Repeat?<br /><br /></b>Nothing like a big buy-in online tournament to bring out the internet sharp shooters. Approaching the Super Tuesday final table, the sharks were definitely mulling about the virtual felt. There was Chris "SLOPPYKLOD" Klodnicki, a former Super Tuesday winner with more than $3 million in combined live and online tournament winning, Chad "lilholdem954" Batista, another former Super Tuesday champion who has taken down 16 major titles since 2006, and online young gun Mike "munchenHB" Telker. There were former Sunday Warm-Up champions, Sunday Million final tablists and, of course, Super Tuesday regulars. And then there was Roberts34...<br /><br /><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Roberts34.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Roberts34.JPG" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="176" height="129" /></span><div align="center"> <i>Who me?<br /><br /></i><div align="left">Roberts34 was the eventual winner of that aforementioned massive Super Tuesday last week and, with just 15 left, the former champion looked poised to make another run at a high stakes title. However, as the tournament crept slowly down to the final nine Roberts34's stack slowly wore down closer and closer to the felt until he was forced to make a final stand. Facing a raise from middle position by Chris "SLOPPYKLOD" Klodnicki, Roberts34 moved all-in with his last 58k on the button with [As] [4c]. It wasn't even a borderline decision for Klodnicki, his [Ac] [Ah] being a no-brainer call, and after an interesting turn, which gave Roberts34 a straight draw, a blank river eliminated last week's champion in tenth, good for a $5,295 payday. <br /><br /><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Super%20Tuesday%20Final%20Table%20Aug31.JPG"><img alt="Super Tuesday Final Table Aug31.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/Super%20Tuesday%20Final%20Table%20Aug31-thumb-450x322-108104.jpg" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="450" height="322" /></a></span><div align="center"><i>Click on Image to Enlarge<br /><br /></i><div align="left">With Roberts34's exit in tenth, the final nine players took their seats--well virtually anyway--at table 12, their eyes set firmly on the $68k first place prize. Former Sunday Warm-Up winner DCal Zone was the chip leader with 327k as things restarted at the final table, with edoiler hot on DCal Zone's heels at 320k in chips. Conversely, ShipTheFliip, 109,805 in chips, was looking up at everyone else when play restarted, hoping for a quick double-up. Blinds were 2k/4k with a 500 ante when final table play began.<br /><br />The complete chip counts of the final nine were as follows:<br /><br />Seat 1: ShipTheFliip (109805 in chips) <br />Seat 2: lilholdem954 (204201 in chips) <br />Seat 3: edoiler (320062 in chips) <br />Seat 4: munchenHB (157830 in chips) <br />Seat 5: DCal Zone (327296 in chips) <br />Seat 6: jersey716 (113728 in chips) <br />Seat 7: Pyjamarse (162899 in chips) <br />Seat 8: pkzmerv (155255 in chips) <br />Seat 9: SLOPPYKLOD (213924 in chips)<br /><br /><b>Kick'em While He's Down<br /><br /></b>"Sorry Mike," thought Klodnicki. Fellow poker pro Mike "muchenHB" Telker had pushed all-in from middle position for his last 60k and Klodnicki had woken up in the small blind with [Ah] [Kc]...a no-brainer. Just two hands earlier Telker had been crippled after a run-in with former table short stack ShipTheFliip and the online wizard must have be feeling somewhat dejected, seeing his title shot suddenly pushed to the brink. "Probably a middle ace, maybe a middle pair. Still, a no-brainer." Klodnicki showed little deception, quickly moving all-in for his 200k plus, and the big blind, Telker's former bane ShipTheFliip, folded. "Sorry Mike, no-brainer..."<br /><br /><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Chris Klodnicki.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Chris%20Klodnicki.jpg" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="299" height="450" /></span><div align="center"><i>Hmmm, don't remember thinking that...</i><br /></div><br />...Or maybe it was a simple case of two online pros locking horns in a very standard coin flip situation, [Ah] [Kc] for Klodnicki and [Jh] [Jd] for Telker. Bing! King on the river and the short stacked Telker went home in ninth, $6,177.50 richer for his efforts. Not poetic at all really... just poker.<br /><br /><b>Come on!<br /><br /></b>Here's the thing, when the poker gods want you gone, you'll be gone. Unable to get much of anything going at the final table this week, jersey716 moved all-in for his last 57k in the small blind and big blind Pyjamarse instantly made the call. Now [Ad] [10d] rates to be the best hand in a normal blind-on-blind situation, but "rates" is just a fancy way of saying "most of the time," and this, as it turned out, was the minority. Pyjamarse flipped up a dominating [As] [Qc] and, after a fairly uninteresting board of [4h] [4s] [9d] [8c] [3d], eliminated the unlucky jersey716 in eighth place ($8,472).<br /><br /><b>The Roller Coaster Rider of ShipTheFliip<br /></b><br /> </div></div></div></div><div>All aboard the ShipTheFliip amusement ride of disappointment. First, a quick double-up, less than 20 hands into final table play against the always dangerous Mike "munchenHB" Telker--Telker being eliminated just a couple hands later. Now past the first big hill a dip is in order, something to the tune of 100k, lost after a few rough pots spread across more than 40 hands of play. Up the second hill, all-in for 82k in middle position with [Ac] [Kd]...and a caller! Pyjamarse with more than 300k makes the call in the big blind and flips up [9d] [9c]. The race begins! A fairly weak [Jc] [5d] [4h] flop is followed by a tantalizingly close [Qs]. Will a king come? Or an ace? Or better yet a ten to make Broadway? Is there one final hill in this roller coaster ride?!<br /><br />...come on, this is the ShipTheFliip "ride of disappointment." A lowly deuce falls on the river, sending ShipTheFliip home in seventh, dizzy but $12,002 richer.<br /><br /><b>What a Difference 32 Hands Makes</b><br /><br />There's just something about railing a major online final table that makes you slip into bad habits. No matter how good the action is on the whole, there are bound to be lulls and then, when tricked into a state of mindless stability, something major happens. It's just the nature of the beast I'm afraid. So, 25 or so odd hands after ShipTheFliip's exit in seventh and my attention now turned to something important on late night television--some guy peddling a new all-purpose cleaner for just $9.95--the inevitable happened...we got down to five. <br /><br />"Damn!" Catching the end of what looked to be a monster. "What was that?" What was that turned out to be a four-bet all-in by the short stacked pkzmerv in the small blind after lilholdem954 had led out with a 15k bet from under-the-gun and Pyjamarse raised to 38k on the button. lilholdem954 folded but Pyjamarse had quickly called and flipped up [Kc] [Kh], which was way ahead of pkzmerv's [10c] [10d]. No funny business and pkzmerv was eliminated in sixth, good for $15,532.<br /><br />Then, faster than you can say "Cash for Gold," we got down to four. The healthy stacked DCal Zone raised to 14,400 in first position. Action then folded around to lilholdem954 in the small blind, who raised to 38,775. DCal Zone then re-raised all-in for around 279k in total and lilholdem954 made the call. It was a coin flip, lilholdem954 holding [8c] [8d] against DCal Zone's [Ah] [Ks]. The flop, [5h] [5s] [10s], turn, [4c], and river, [9s], were no help to DCal Zone, who exited in fifth ($20,121).<br /><br />Now back to the lull... what was that about some sort of knife-spatula combination utensil I simply must have? <br /><br /><b>Let's Make a Deal...<br /><br /></b>...because some players are getting tired.<br /><br />With four players left and the blinds at 4k/8k and a 1k ante, the chip counts were thus:<br /><br />Seat 2: lilholdem954 (861101 in chips) <br />Seat 3: edoiler (279386 in chips) <br />Seat 7: Pyjamarse (297399 in chips) <br />Seat 9: SLOPPYKLOD (327114 in chips) <br /><br /><div align="center"><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Deal%20Time.JPG"><img alt="Deal Time.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/Deal%20Time-thumb-450x323-108106.jpg" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="450" height="323" /></a></span></div><div align="center"><i>Deal Time!</i><br /><br /></div>Some of the chat by this time indicated that the players where getting a little tired so a straight chip-chop deal was struck, saving $10k for the eventual winner.<br /><br />The deal was as follows:<br /><br />lilholdem954:<b> $58,860.00<br />
</b>edoiler:<b> $38,770.89 <br />
</b>Pyjamarse:<b> $39,392.96 <br />
</b>SLOPPYKLOD: <b>$40,419.15 </b><br /><br /><b>Things Can Be So Unfair Sometimes<br /><br /></b>It's a few hands after the deal,<b> </b>Pyjamarse raised to 24k in first position only to be re-raised to 40k by edoiler in the big blind, leaving him 164k behind. Action shifts back to Pyjamarse, who moves all-in for 321k and edoiler makes the quick call. It was a misstep for Pyjamarse, whose [Ad] [Js] was behind the [Qs] [Qh] of edoiler. Poker really can be cruel sometimes, however. A [9h] [As] [6h] flop paired Pyjamarse's ace. The [Jc] on the turn didn't help or hurt edoiler and yet still seemed cruel, giving Pyjamarse two pair. No miracle on the river--just the [3h]--and edoiler went home in fourth ($38,770.89).<br /><br /><b>Seriously Guys, It's Bedtime<br /><br /></b>Chris "SLOPPYKLOD" Klodnicki has won $3.1 million in tournament earning, 16 major titles and had a near WSOP Main Event final table in '08, finishing in 12th. Long story short, Klodnicki has played some long hours. We all get tired, however. In the midst of a hand with Pyjamarse, after Pyjamarse had raised pre-flop, Klodnicki made the comment that he was "kinda tired" and that he wanted to just chop the remaining prize money up. No deal for lilholdem954. Pyjamarse remained quiet on the situation, instead betting 45k after [Jh] [7h] [5d]. Klodnicki typed in "sigh" and then moved all-in for 337k and Pyjamarse called. Klodnicki had been caught with a gut shot straight draw, [9s] [8s], Pyjamarse ahead with [7d] [10d]. The [Kh] fell on the turn and the [4h] on the river, eliminating Klodnicki in third ($40,419.15). Hey, when it's bedtime, it's bedtime.<br /><br /><b>Lil' Comeback<br /><br /></b>It may have been late, but Chad "lilholdem954" Batista was still going strong. Batista razzed Klodnicki a bit for trying to chop up the remaining prize money and, in spite entering heads-up play at a 2-1 chip disadvantage, seemed to playing at the top of his game. Sure enough, a few hands into heads-up play Batista doubled through Pyjamarse, his [9d] [9h] holding up against Pyjamarse's [Ad] [Qs]. Then, with positions now shifted and the rail really getting restless, the match ended, just two hands later. Batista raised to 18k on the button and Pyjamarse called. The flop came down [8d] [4c] [6c] and, after a Pyjamarse check, lilholdem954 bet another 18k. Pyjamarse countered by check-raising to 54k. Batista added another bet, doubling to 108k and Pyjamarse moved all-in. Batista called, flipping over a monster draw, [Ac] [7c]. He was up against Pyjamarse's flopped two pair, [8s] [4d]. Tension was ended immediately on the turn when the [2c] fell, giving Batista the nut flush. The river, a mere formality, came the [Kh]. Pyjamarse took home $39,392.96 for his second place effort, with Batista grabbing $68,860.00 for yet another Super Tuesday title.<br /><br /><br /><u><strong>Super Tuesday Results for August 31, 2010</strong></u><br /><i>*represents a four-way deal</i><br /><br />
*1st: lilholdem954 (Las Vegas) - $68,860.00<br />
*2nd: Pyjamarse (Ironbank) - $39,392.96<br />
*3rd: SLOPPYKLOD (Philadelphia) - $40,419.15<br />
*4th: edoiler (Toronto) - $38,770.89<br />
5th: DCal Zone (Chicago) - $20,121.00<br />
6th: pkzmerv (Dublin) - $15,532.00<br />
7th: ShipTheFliip (Budapest) - $12,002.00<br />
8th: jersey716 (Kenmore) - $8,472.00<br />
9th: muchenHB (Davison) - $6,177.50 <br /><br /></div>"
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string(14027) "<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Super Tuesday logo.png" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Super%20Tuesday%20logo.png" class="mt-image-left" style="margin: 0pt 20px 20px 0pt; float: left;" width="120" height="92" /></span>The $300k guaranteed, Super Tuesday may have been slightly down from <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/super_tuesday/2010/super-tuesday-82410---roberts34-wins-after-3-way-deal-072769.html">last week's</a> massive $430k prize pool, but the high stakes weekly tournament still managed to surpass the guarantee by $53k. In spite of the smaller prize pool and the heavy live action playing out at <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/">EPT Vilamoura </a>many of Team PokerStars' finest shelled out the $1,050 entry fee to compete for the nearly $70k first-place prize. Alas, the Team was unable to really get things going this Tuesday. And even though three PokerStars Pros managed to make it past the money bubble, Gualter Salles (40th for $2,118), Christophe De Meulder (32nd for $2,294.50) and Pierre Neuville (23rd for $2,647.50), when the final 18 players started to play down to nine there was not a red spade to be found. However, even without PokerStars Team Pro representation the final table bubble was no less exciting. <br /><br /><b>Super Repeat?<br /><br /></b>Nothing like a big buy-in online tournament to bring out the internet sharp shooters. Approaching the Super Tuesday final table, the sharks were definitely mulling about the virtual felt. There was Chris "SLOPPYKLOD" Klodnicki, a former Super Tuesday winner with more than $3 million in combined live and online tournament winning, Chad "lilholdem954" Batista, another former Super Tuesday champion who has taken down 16 major titles since 2006, and online young gun Mike "munchenHB" Telker. There were former Sunday Warm-Up champions, Sunday Million final tablists and, of course, Super Tuesday regulars. And then there was Roberts34...<br /><br /><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Roberts34.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Roberts34.JPG" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="176" height="129" /></span><div align="center"> <i>Who me?<br /><br /></i><div align="left">Roberts34 was the eventual winner of that aforementioned massive Super Tuesday last week and, with just 15 left, the former champion looked poised to make another run at a high stakes title. However, as the tournament crept slowly down to the final nine Roberts34's stack slowly wore down closer and closer to the felt until he was forced to make a final stand. Facing a raise from middle position by Chris "SLOPPYKLOD" Klodnicki, Roberts34 moved all-in with his last 58k on the button with [As] [4c]. It wasn't even a borderline decision for Klodnicki, his [Ac] [Ah] being a no-brainer call, and after an interesting turn, which gave Roberts34 a straight draw, a blank river eliminated last week's champion in tenth, good for a $5,295 payday. <br /><br /><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Super%20Tuesday%20Final%20Table%20Aug31.JPG"><img alt="Super Tuesday Final Table Aug31.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/Super%20Tuesday%20Final%20Table%20Aug31-thumb-450x322-108104.jpg" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="450" height="322" /></a></span><div align="center"><i>Click on Image to Enlarge<br /><br /></i><div align="left">With Roberts34's exit in tenth, the final nine players took their seats--well virtually anyway--at table 12, their eyes set firmly on the $68k first place prize. Former Sunday Warm-Up winner DCal Zone was the chip leader with 327k as things restarted at the final table, with edoiler hot on DCal Zone's heels at 320k in chips. Conversely, ShipTheFliip, 109,805 in chips, was looking up at everyone else when play restarted, hoping for a quick double-up. Blinds were 2k/4k with a 500 ante when final table play began.<br /><br />The complete chip counts of the final nine were as follows:<br /><br />Seat 1: ShipTheFliip (109805 in chips) <br />Seat 2: lilholdem954 (204201 in chips) <br />Seat 3: edoiler (320062 in chips) <br />Seat 4: munchenHB (157830 in chips) <br />Seat 5: DCal Zone (327296 in chips) <br />Seat 6: jersey716 (113728 in chips) <br />Seat 7: Pyjamarse (162899 in chips) <br />Seat 8: pkzmerv (155255 in chips) <br />Seat 9: SLOPPYKLOD (213924 in chips)<br /><br /><b>Kick'em While He's Down<br /><br /></b>"Sorry Mike," thought Klodnicki. Fellow poker pro Mike "muchenHB" Telker had pushed all-in from middle position for his last 60k and Klodnicki had woken up in the small blind with [Ah] [Kc]...a no-brainer. Just two hands earlier Telker had been crippled after a run-in with former table short stack ShipTheFliip and the online wizard must have be feeling somewhat dejected, seeing his title shot suddenly pushed to the brink. "Probably a middle ace, maybe a middle pair. Still, a no-brainer." Klodnicki showed little deception, quickly moving all-in for his 200k plus, and the big blind, Telker's former bane ShipTheFliip, folded. "Sorry Mike, no-brainer..."<br /><br /><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Chris Klodnicki.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Chris%20Klodnicki.jpg" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="299" height="450" /></span><div align="center"><i>Hmmm, don't remember thinking that...</i><br /></div><br />...Or maybe it was a simple case of two online pros locking horns in a very standard coin flip situation, [Ah] [Kc] for Klodnicki and [Jh] [Jd] for Telker. Bing! King on the river and the short stacked Telker went home in ninth, $6,177.50 richer for his efforts. Not poetic at all really... just poker.<br /><br /><b>Come on!<br /><br /></b>Here's the thing, when the poker gods want you gone, you'll be gone. Unable to get much of anything going at the final table this week, jersey716 moved all-in for his last 57k in the small blind and big blind Pyjamarse instantly made the call. Now [Ad] [10d] rates to be the best hand in a normal blind-on-blind situation, but "rates" is just a fancy way of saying "most of the time," and this, as it turned out, was the minority. Pyjamarse flipped up a dominating [As] [Qc] and, after a fairly uninteresting board of [4h] [4s] [9d] [8c] [3d], eliminated the unlucky jersey716 in eighth place ($8,472).<br /><br /><b>The Roller Coaster Rider of ShipTheFliip<br /></b><br /> </div></div></div></div><div>All aboard the ShipTheFliip amusement ride of disappointment. First, a quick double-up, less than 20 hands into final table play against the always dangerous Mike "munchenHB" Telker--Telker being eliminated just a couple hands later. Now past the first big hill a dip is in order, something to the tune of 100k, lost after a few rough pots spread across more than 40 hands of play. Up the second hill, all-in for 82k in middle position with [Ac] [Kd]...and a caller! Pyjamarse with more than 300k makes the call in the big blind and flips up [9d] [9c]. The race begins! A fairly weak [Jc] [5d] [4h] flop is followed by a tantalizingly close [Qs]. Will a king come? Or an ace? Or better yet a ten to make Broadway? Is there one final hill in this roller coaster ride?!<br /><br />...come on, this is the ShipTheFliip "ride of disappointment." A lowly deuce falls on the river, sending ShipTheFliip home in seventh, dizzy but $12,002 richer.<br /><br /><b>What a Difference 32 Hands Makes</b><br /><br />There's just something about railing a major online final table that makes you slip into bad habits. No matter how good the action is on the whole, there are bound to be lulls and then, when tricked into a state of mindless stability, something major happens. It's just the nature of the beast I'm afraid. So, 25 or so odd hands after ShipTheFliip's exit in seventh and my attention now turned to something important on late night television--some guy peddling a new all-purpose cleaner for just $9.95--the inevitable happened...we got down to five. <br /><br />"Damn!" Catching the end of what looked to be a monster. "What was that?" What was that turned out to be a four-bet all-in by the short stacked pkzmerv in the small blind after lilholdem954 had led out with a 15k bet from under-the-gun and Pyjamarse raised to 38k on the button. lilholdem954 folded but Pyjamarse had quickly called and flipped up [Kc] [Kh], which was way ahead of pkzmerv's [10c] [10d]. No funny business and pkzmerv was eliminated in sixth, good for $15,532.<br /><br />Then, faster than you can say "Cash for Gold," we got down to four. The healthy stacked DCal Zone raised to 14,400 in first position. Action then folded around to lilholdem954 in the small blind, who raised to 38,775. DCal Zone then re-raised all-in for around 279k in total and lilholdem954 made the call. It was a coin flip, lilholdem954 holding [8c] [8d] against DCal Zone's [Ah] [Ks]. The flop, [5h] [5s] [10s], turn, [4c], and river, [9s], were no help to DCal Zone, who exited in fifth ($20,121).<br /><br />Now back to the lull... what was that about some sort of knife-spatula combination utensil I simply must have? <br /><br /><b>Let's Make a Deal...<br /><br /></b>...because some players are getting tired.<br /><br />With four players left and the blinds at 4k/8k and a 1k ante, the chip counts were thus:<br /><br />Seat 2: lilholdem954 (861101 in chips) <br />Seat 3: edoiler (279386 in chips) <br />Seat 7: Pyjamarse (297399 in chips) <br />Seat 9: SLOPPYKLOD (327114 in chips) <br /><br /><div align="center"><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/Deal%20Time.JPG"><img alt="Deal Time.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/Deal%20Time-thumb-450x323-108106.jpg" class="mt-image-center" style="margin: 0pt auto 20px; text-align: center; display: block;" width="450" height="323" /></a></span></div><div align="center"><i>Deal Time!</i><br /><br /></div>Some of the chat by this time indicated that the players where getting a little tired so a straight chip-chop deal was struck, saving $10k for the eventual winner.<br /><br />The deal was as follows:<br /><br />lilholdem954:<b> $58,860.00<br />
</b>edoiler:<b> $38,770.89 <br />
</b>Pyjamarse:<b> $39,392.96 <br />
</b>SLOPPYKLOD: <b>$40,419.15 </b><br /><br /><b>Things Can Be So Unfair Sometimes<br /><br /></b>It's a few hands after the deal,<b> </b>Pyjamarse raised to 24k in first position only to be re-raised to 40k by edoiler in the big blind, leaving him 164k behind. Action shifts back to Pyjamarse, who moves all-in for 321k and edoiler makes the quick call. It was a misstep for Pyjamarse, whose [Ad] [Js] was behind the [Qs] [Qh] of edoiler. Poker really can be cruel sometimes, however. A [9h] [As] [6h] flop paired Pyjamarse's ace. The [Jc] on the turn didn't help or hurt edoiler and yet still seemed cruel, giving Pyjamarse two pair. No miracle on the river--just the [3h]--and edoiler went home in fourth ($38,770.89).<br /><br /><b>Seriously Guys, It's Bedtime<br /><br /></b>Chris "SLOPPYKLOD" Klodnicki has won $3.1 million in tournament earning, 16 major titles and had a near WSOP Main Event final table in '08, finishing in 12th. Long story short, Klodnicki has played some long hours. We all get tired, however. In the midst of a hand with Pyjamarse, after Pyjamarse had raised pre-flop, Klodnicki made the comment that he was "kinda tired" and that he wanted to just chop the remaining prize money up. No deal for lilholdem954. Pyjamarse remained quiet on the situation, instead betting 45k after [Jh] [7h] [5d]. Klodnicki typed in "sigh" and then moved all-in for 337k and Pyjamarse called. Klodnicki had been caught with a gut shot straight draw, [9s] [8s], Pyjamarse ahead with [7d] [10d]. The [Kh] fell on the turn and the [4h] on the river, eliminating Klodnicki in third ($40,419.15). Hey, when it's bedtime, it's bedtime.<br /><br /><b>Lil' Comeback<br /><br /></b>It may have been late, but Chad "lilholdem954" Batista was still going strong. Batista razzed Klodnicki a bit for trying to chop up the remaining prize money and, in spite entering heads-up play at a 2-1 chip disadvantage, seemed to playing at the top of his game. Sure enough, a few hands into heads-up play Batista doubled through Pyjamarse, his [9d] [9h] holding up against Pyjamarse's [Ad] [Qs]. Then, with positions now shifted and the rail really getting restless, the match ended, just two hands later. Batista raised to 18k on the button and Pyjamarse called. The flop came down [8d] [4c] [6c] and, after a Pyjamarse check, lilholdem954 bet another 18k. Pyjamarse countered by check-raising to 54k. Batista added another bet, doubling to 108k and Pyjamarse moved all-in. Batista called, flipping over a monster draw, [Ac] [7c]. He was up against Pyjamarse's flopped two pair, [8s] [4d]. Tension was ended immediately on the turn when the [2c] fell, giving Batista the nut flush. The river, a mere formality, came the [Kh]. Pyjamarse took home $39,392.96 for his second place effort, with Batista grabbing $68,860.00 for yet another Super Tuesday title.<br /><br /><br /><u><strong>Super Tuesday Results for August 31, 2010</strong></u><br /><i>*represents a four-way deal</i><br /><br />
*1st: lilholdem954 (Las Vegas) - $68,860.00<br />
*2nd: Pyjamarse (Ironbank) - $39,392.96<br />
*3rd: SLOPPYKLOD (Philadelphia) - $40,419.15<br />
*4th: edoiler (Toronto) - $38,770.89<br />
5th: DCal Zone (Chicago) - $20,121.00<br />
6th: pkzmerv (Dublin) - $15,532.00<br />
7th: ShipTheFliip (Budapest) - $12,002.00<br />
8th: jersey716 (Kenmore) - $8,472.00<br />
9th: muchenHB (Davison) - $6,177.50 <br /><br /></div>"
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string(2271) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly.jpg"><img alt="jp_kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/jp_kelly-thumb-133x181-104213.jpg" width="133" height="181" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by JP Kelly</b><br />
The WCOOP is an exciting time in the online poker community as it is universally thought of as the most prestigious online festival. It is the most innovative, has the biggest prize pools and offers the best structures going allowing the players great value for money and the opportunity to win a life changing sum. And it all kicks off today!</p>
<p>However, to win one of these events, or even making a final table, takes great skill and also a high level of stamina as the tournaments can go on for a very long time. Last year I cashed a lot but found myself failing at the key stages of the events. This year I am going to try and do a number of things to give myself the best chance of winning a highly sought after <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP bracelet</a>.</p>
<p>Firstly, I will try to do a fair amount of exercise before hand as this will help with the stamina <br />
issue and hopefully keep the brain active when others are flagging. Together with this trying to maintain a correct sleeping pattern is essential, which means in the UK going to sleep very late and waking up very late.</p>
<p>In terms of actual poker playing I think I need to do some research on who the new faces are in the online tournament (MTT) scene as I have not played as many online tournaments (MTTs) in the past few months as maybe I should have, so to close the gap on these guys I need to be better prepared.</p>
<p>Have fun as it is a great time of year, personally I am most looking forward to the $2,100 6 max PLO event and the $5,200 main event. Good luck for the series.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(2271) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jp_kelly.jpg"><img alt="jp_kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/jp_kelly-thumb-133x181-104213.jpg" width="133" height="181" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by JP Kelly</b><br />
The WCOOP is an exciting time in the online poker community as it is universally thought of as the most prestigious online festival. It is the most innovative, has the biggest prize pools and offers the best structures going allowing the players great value for money and the opportunity to win a life changing sum. And it all kicks off today!</p>
<p>However, to win one of these events, or even making a final table, takes great skill and also a high level of stamina as the tournaments can go on for a very long time. Last year I cashed a lot but found myself failing at the key stages of the events. This year I am going to try and do a number of things to give myself the best chance of winning a highly sought after <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP bracelet</a>.</p>
<p>Firstly, I will try to do a fair amount of exercise before hand as this will help with the stamina <br />
issue and hopefully keep the brain active when others are flagging. Together with this trying to maintain a correct sleeping pattern is essential, which means in the UK going to sleep very late and waking up very late.</p>
<p>In terms of actual poker playing I think I need to do some research on who the new faces are in the online tournament (MTT) scene as I have not played as many online tournaments (MTTs) in the past few months as maybe I should have, so to close the gap on these guys I need to be better prepared.</p>
<p>Have fun as it is a great time of year, personally I am most looking forward to the $2,100 6 max PLO event and the $5,200 main event. Good luck for the series.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ukipt edinburgh_day 2_jp kelly.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/UKIPTEDI_MickeyMay_JPG%20%2032601.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(8311) "<div><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></div><div><b>by Fred Leung</b></div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
Macau Poker Cup, hosted by </span><a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerStars Macau</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> at Casino Grand
Lisboa, began Day 1A of the Red Dragon tournament on Friday, September 3. A
healthy field of 135 players entered the first of two Day 1s for Asia's
premiere poker series' main event.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jason
Coe from USA has 112,200 chips to lead the remaining Day 1A field of 41 players
who survive to Day 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_coe.JPG"><img alt="jason_coe.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/jason_coe-thumb-333x443-108454.jpg" width="333" height="443" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Also
making it through to Day 2 include PokerStars sponsored Devan Tang from Hong
Kong with 37,300. Tang was the chip leader for the majority of the 9 levels but
lost over half his stack when his KK couldn't hold up against AT. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">"The
players coming to MPC are getting better but I like it. Going up against pros
like JC Tran brought my game to a higher level." said the former Macau
Poker Cup Championship Main Event winner. "I still think I can win (the
Asia Player of the Year) and just need one big final table and I'm up
there."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">For
End of Day 1A Chip Counts please click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdHRTRlJvbzRIbUUwRDNlZmdkdk9zS3c&hl=en&authkey=CNyepNcH"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Current
Asia Player of the Year (APOY) leader and Team PokerStars Pro Raymond Wu was
eliminated from 1A and could watch his 5-month reign on top of the standings dissapear.
With the Red Dragon likely to award over 2000 points to the winner, the top
50-60 players on the APOY list could potential pass Wu for the number one rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Other
hopefuls that didn't survive the evening include Team PokerStars Pro Celina
Lin, PokerStars sponsored JC Tran and former Red Dragon winner Wing Cheong
Chong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Please
click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> for the 2010 Asia
Player of the Year Leaderboard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B is expected to well exceed 1A in field size and the second flight includes
Team PokerStars Pros Bryan Huang and Taejoon Noh. Other notables are PokerStars
sponsored Nam Le, Quinn Do, Neil Arce, Victor Chen, Justin Chan, and defending
Red Dragon champion Kenichi Takarabe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B begins at 12:10 PM on Saturday, September 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Follow
Live Reporting of the Red Dragon event at </span><a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/2010-macau-poker-cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerNews
Asia</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<!--EndFragment-->
</div>"
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["pubdate#"]=>
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["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:07:52 -0800"
["summary#"]=>
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["summary"]=>
string(8311) "<div><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></div><div><b>by Fred Leung</b></div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment-->
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">The
Macau Poker Cup, hosted by </span><a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerStars Macau</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> at Casino Grand
Lisboa, began Day 1A of the Red Dragon tournament on Friday, September 3. A
healthy field of 135 players entered the first of two Day 1s for Asia's
premiere poker series' main event.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Jason
Coe from USA has 112,200 chips to lead the remaining Day 1A field of 41 players
who survive to Day 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_coe.JPG"><img alt="jason_coe.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/jason_coe-thumb-333x443-108454.jpg" width="333" height="443" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Also
making it through to Day 2 include PokerStars sponsored Devan Tang from Hong
Kong with 37,300. Tang was the chip leader for the majority of the 9 levels but
lost over half his stack when his KK couldn't hold up against AT. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">"The
players coming to MPC are getting better but I like it. Going up against pros
like JC Tran brought my game to a higher level." said the former Macau
Poker Cup Championship Main Event winner. "I still think I can win (the
Asia Player of the Year) and just need one big final table and I'm up
there."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">For
End of Day 1A Chip Counts please click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdHRTRlJvbzRIbUUwRDNlZmdkdk9zS3c&hl=en&authkey=CNyepNcH"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Current
Asia Player of the Year (APOY) leader and Team PokerStars Pro Raymond Wu was
eliminated from 1A and could watch his 5-month reign on top of the standings dissapear.
With the Red Dragon likely to award over 2000 points to the winner, the top
50-60 players on the APOY list could potential pass Wu for the number one rank.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Other
hopefuls that didn't survive the evening include Team PokerStars Pro Celina
Lin, PokerStars sponsored JC Tran and former Red Dragon winner Wing Cheong
Chong.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Please
click </span><a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">here</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> for the 2010 Asia
Player of the Year Leaderboard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B is expected to well exceed 1A in field size and the second flight includes
Team PokerStars Pros Bryan Huang and Taejoon Noh. Other notables are PokerStars
sponsored Nam Le, Quinn Do, Neil Arce, Victor Chen, Justin Chan, and defending
Red Dragon champion Kenichi Takarabe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Day
1B begins at 12:10 PM on Saturday, September 4.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Follow
Live Reporting of the Red Dragon event at </span><a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/2010-macau-poker-cup/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue">PokerNews
Asia</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<!--EndFragment-->
</div>"
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["title#"]=>
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["title"]=>
string(34) "WCOOP 2010: A little bit of advice"
["description#"]=>
int(1)
["description"]=>
string(2365) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG"><img alt="celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/05/celina_lin_appt_macau1-thumb-133x188-99102.jpg" width="133" height="188" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Celina Lin</b><br />
<a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP 2010</a> is a date marked down in most poker players' schedule. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, it is essentially the world series of online poker! The buy-ins range from $100-$10,000, so it will suit recreational players to those with a big bankroll.</p>
<p>In the past we have seen many champions like 'Jovial Gent' arise from such series, and become overnight idols on the virtual felt. The WCOOP offers tournaments from 6 max, high rollers, shoot out to turbos, and guaranteed prize pool of $300,000 to $10 Million.</p>
<p>Most poker players nowadays are pretty used to tournament structures, blind levels and antes. The strategy for multi-table tournaments differs depending on your opponents. If your table is limping a lot, you might want to adopt a more aggressive play and isolate pots where you can get it heads up. If players are relatively tight on your table, you might want to see cheap flops and try to set mine and bust players with over pairs.</p>
<p>When the blinds and antes get high, pick your spots to steal blinds constantly, keep putting pressure on short stacks and try a squeeze play if the situation is appropriate. A lucky few may find themselves in short-handed situations on the final table and maybe even heads up play. Most tournament players lack in short-handed and heads-up play because it doesn't happen very often.</p>
<p>WCOOP 2010 will offer everyone a great chance to brush up on multi-table tournament skills, win big and play with Team PokerStars Pros from all over the world. I wish you all the best of luck and may the best win! See you all on the virtual felt.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="mpccday1celina02.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/mpccday1celina02.jpg" width="300" height="446" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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["pubdate"]=>
string(31) "Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:50:45 -0800"
["summary#"]=>
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["summary"]=>
string(2365) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG"><img alt="celina_lin_appt_macau1.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/05/celina_lin_appt_macau1-thumb-133x188-99102.jpg" width="133" height="188" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Celina Lin</b><br />
<a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP 2010</a> is a date marked down in most poker players' schedule. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, it is essentially the world series of online poker! The buy-ins range from $100-$10,000, so it will suit recreational players to those with a big bankroll.</p>
<p>In the past we have seen many champions like 'Jovial Gent' arise from such series, and become overnight idols on the virtual felt. The WCOOP offers tournaments from 6 max, high rollers, shoot out to turbos, and guaranteed prize pool of $300,000 to $10 Million.</p>
<p>Most poker players nowadays are pretty used to tournament structures, blind levels and antes. The strategy for multi-table tournaments differs depending on your opponents. If your table is limping a lot, you might want to adopt a more aggressive play and isolate pots where you can get it heads up. If players are relatively tight on your table, you might want to see cheap flops and try to set mine and bust players with over pairs.</p>
<p>When the blinds and antes get high, pick your spots to steal blinds constantly, keep putting pressure on short stacks and try a squeeze play if the situation is appropriate. A lucky few may find themselves in short-handed situations on the final table and maybe even heads up play. Most tournament players lack in short-handed and heads-up play because it doesn't happen very often.</p>
<p>WCOOP 2010 will offer everyone a great chance to brush up on multi-table tournament skills, win big and play with Team PokerStars Pros from all over the world. I wish you all the best of luck and may the best win! See you all on the virtual felt.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="mpccday1celina02.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/mpccday1celina02.jpg" width="300" height="446" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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[3]=>
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["title#"]=>
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["title"]=>
string(56) "Macau Poker Cup opens with success despite typhoon fears"
["description#"]=>
int(1)
["description"]=>
string(2639) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>by Fred Leung</b></p>
<p>PokerStars Macau at Casino Grand Lisboa had a successful opening to the September edition of the Macau Poker Cup (MPC) which runs from September 1-5. The MPC kicked off with 167 players in the $2,000 KO Bounty event which set a record for that tournament. This was particularly impressive considering the T1 typhoon warning delayed travel plans for many players and cancelled flights from Korea. Ironically, it was Korean Jinduk Kim that won the opening preliminary event.</p>
<p>Team PokerStars Pros from Asia are looking good in the side events as Bryan Huang from Singapore placed 7th in the Charity Event which now has him trailing fellow Team Pro, Raymond Wu from Taipei, by only 128 points on the Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard. Huang has been the hottest player in Asia with a win in the PokerStars Macau Emperor Series, runner-up finish in the July's Red Dragon event, and final tables in ANZPT Queenstown and the recent Manila event.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/bryan_mad_mimi.jpg"><img alt="bryan_mad_mimi.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/bryan_mad_mimi-thumb-335x374-108356.jpg" width="335" height="374" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></p>
<p>Team Pro Tae Joon Noh from Korea leads the remaining 19-player field heading into the $3,000 NLH - Day 2 final and is joined by China's Celina Lin. </p>
<p>Please click <A href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en">HERE</a> for the 2010 Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard.</p>
<p>It appears as though weather won't affect Asia's premiere poker series as the PokerStars Macau poker room is buzzing with players. Friday's Deepstack event set its own record with 186 players and all signs point towards another big Red Dragon main event which begins Day 1A at 8:10 PM later in the evening.</p>
<p>Players can still qualify to the Red Dragon $2,000,000 Guarantee event at PokerStars Macau.</p>
<p>For complete Macau Poker Cup schedule please click <a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/">HERE</a></p>
<p>Live reporting of the Red Dragon event is available at <a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/">Poker News Asia</a></p>"
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["category#"]=>
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["category@domain"]=>
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string(31) "Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:09:45 -0800"
["summary#"]=>
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["summary"]=>
string(2639) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>by Fred Leung</b></p>
<p>PokerStars Macau at Casino Grand Lisboa had a successful opening to the September edition of the Macau Poker Cup (MPC) which runs from September 1-5. The MPC kicked off with 167 players in the $2,000 KO Bounty event which set a record for that tournament. This was particularly impressive considering the T1 typhoon warning delayed travel plans for many players and cancelled flights from Korea. Ironically, it was Korean Jinduk Kim that won the opening preliminary event.</p>
<p>Team PokerStars Pros from Asia are looking good in the side events as Bryan Huang from Singapore placed 7th in the Charity Event which now has him trailing fellow Team Pro, Raymond Wu from Taipei, by only 128 points on the Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard. Huang has been the hottest player in Asia with a win in the PokerStars Macau Emperor Series, runner-up finish in the July's Red Dragon event, and final tables in ANZPT Queenstown and the recent Manila event.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/bryan_mad_mimi.jpg"><img alt="bryan_mad_mimi.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/09/bryan_mad_mimi-thumb-335x374-108356.jpg" width="335" height="374" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></a></span></p>
<p>Team Pro Tae Joon Noh from Korea leads the remaining 19-player field heading into the $3,000 NLH - Day 2 final and is joined by China's Celina Lin. </p>
<p>Please click <A href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmnSFn4F5RygdE5sQjJjUlZtZ0tDeUswdUhCUVl5VGc&hl=en">HERE</a> for the 2010 Asia Player of the Year Leaderboard.</p>
<p>It appears as though weather won't affect Asia's premiere poker series as the PokerStars Macau poker room is buzzing with players. Friday's Deepstack event set its own record with 186 players and all signs point towards another big Red Dragon main event which begins Day 1A at 8:10 PM later in the evening.</p>
<p>Players can still qualify to the Red Dragon $2,000,000 Guarantee event at PokerStars Macau.</p>
<p>For complete Macau Poker Cup schedule please click <a href="http://www.pokerstarsmacau.com/macau_cup/">HERE</a></p>
<p>Live reporting of the Red Dragon event is available at <a href="http://asia.pokernews.com/live-reporting/">Poker News Asia</a></p>"
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string(43) "WCOOP 2010: Looking to win another bracelet"
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string(2199) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg"><img alt="ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop-thumb-130x190-102518.jpg" width="130" height="190" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Ruben Visser</b><br />
With the WSOP behind us, all poker players look forward to the start of the biggest online tournament series of the year: the World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP). Since 2002, every September PokerStars is the place to be for tournament lovers. With tournaments in every variant of the game, buy-ins starting as low as $109, and countless satellites to the tournaments, the WCOOP offers an incredible chance for everyone to compete for the gold bracelets awarded to the winner. Oh, and let's not forget the staggering prize pools with over $50 million guaranteed spread across 62 tournaments.</p>
<p>For me personally, the start of the WCOOP brings back some amazing memories. Back in 2008, when I was too young to even play live in the US, I managed to beat a field of over 3,000 players to win my very own bracelet and over $135,000. A great night and something to always remember. This year I hope to be able to final table another event, hopefully even the WCOOP Main Event which has a staggering $10 million guaranteed price pool, but there are countless tournaments in the schedule that I am excited about.</p>
<p>If the buy-ins are a bit too high for you to buy-in directly, I would recommend trying your luck in the cash and FPP satellites as the WCOOP is your chance to play with the best, or maybe even prove you are the best! </p>
<p>Looking forward to see you at the tables, and check out more on the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(2199) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg"><img alt="ruben_visser_day1a_wsop.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2010/07/ruben_visser_day1a_wsop-thumb-130x190-102518.jpg" width="130" height="190" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Ruben Visser</b><br />
With the WSOP behind us, all poker players look forward to the start of the biggest online tournament series of the year: the World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP). Since 2002, every September PokerStars is the place to be for tournament lovers. With tournaments in every variant of the game, buy-ins starting as low as $109, and countless satellites to the tournaments, the WCOOP offers an incredible chance for everyone to compete for the gold bracelets awarded to the winner. Oh, and let's not forget the staggering prize pools with over $50 million guaranteed spread across 62 tournaments.</p>
<p>For me personally, the start of the WCOOP brings back some amazing memories. Back in 2008, when I was too young to even play live in the US, I managed to beat a field of over 3,000 players to win my very own bracelet and over $135,000. A great night and something to always remember. This year I hope to be able to final table another event, hopefully even the WCOOP Main Event which has a staggering $10 million guaranteed price pool, but there are countless tournaments in the schedule that I am excited about.</p>
<p>If the buy-ins are a bit too high for you to buy-in directly, I would recommend trying your luck in the cash and FPP satellites as the WCOOP is your chance to play with the best, or maybe even prove you are the best! </p>
<p>Looking forward to see you at the tables, and check out more on the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ruben_visser_san_remo.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(56) "EPT Vilamoura: Toby Lewis crowned new Prince of Portugal"
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string(9225) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p>Expectations were high when we touched down in Vilamoura last Friday. The weatherman forecast glorious sun, the hotel promised brand new views and freshly grouted luxury, and the European Poker Tour promised a week of poker better than any Portugal had ever witnessed before. We got all three.</p>
<p>Tonight, as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, Toby Lewis is the newest winner on the world's best poker tour, victorious tonight after a fiercely contested final table, and now €467,835 richer. </p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_cup.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_cup.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>EPT Vilamoura winner Toby Lewis</i></center><br></p>
<p>It came after eight hours of first-rate poker, at a table that featured former poker champions, former football stars and several of those enigmatic newcomers you predict will stick around and make names for themselves.</p>
<p>The likes of Jacobson, Trickett and Lee are among that bunch. Each arrived today intent on winning EPT silverware and all could have done so if things, tiny details, had gone their way. Instead, it's the 20-year-old from Southampton, who takes the glory, ahead of Martin Jacobson, his worthy adversary, having quietly obliterated the opposition.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>Never one to say something when dead silence would do, Lewis showed confidence beyond his years to breeze through the day. He arrived with the narrowest of leads but finished with the lot. Heads-up Lewis began to excel, undaunted by his chip disadvantage, he soon wrestled control of the final, retaking the lead, and then regrouping when Jacobson brought things back to all square, ultimately securing the win. </p>
<p>"Martin lost a big pot to me in the middle of day two and it didn't faze him at all," said Lewis. "He's a really good player and he doesn't make big mistakes. I knew he'd be hard to beat and that I'd have to cold deck him like I did in the final hand."</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="finalists_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/finalists_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The finalists</i></center><br>
<p>Eight hours ago the first question on some people's minds, albeit British ones, was how would the English perform? Three Englanders had reached the final, the first time that had happened since EPT Dublin in season three. Some were cynical enough to predict failure for Albion. Not so the dozen Brits on the rail, intent on celebrating each Lewis, Trickett or Sheringham victory, with the ceremonial hoisting aloft of a fresh beer.</p>
<p>It wasn't just the British out in force for Sheringham. The former England and Manchester United star is known beyond British borders for his exploits on the football field. He made a career best fifth place finish today worth €93,120.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Sam Trickett became the poster boy for bad luck, his surname becoming synonymous with the phrase "running bad". Trickett was quick to engage in a campaign of attrition against his opponents while getting a day long massage. </p>
<p>First he spoiled any hope of a first double EPT winner by consistently beating short stacked Rob Hollink around the head with raises until the Dutchman could wait no longer and departed in seventh, behind eighth place local hero Sergio Coutinho and before Frederick Jensen in sixth.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett then took it upon himself to take on anyone who dared shove, but while invariably ahead on the showdown he would be left with the worst of it on Fifth Street. It cost him greatly, and then some more, until his Vilamoura campaign ran out of pluck in fourth. </p>
<p>Closely behind him followed young American Jason Lee, cheered all the way by a slightly more modest rail of Annette Obrestad and Scott Montgomery. Lee defied his dislike for long haul flights to play only his second EPT. The decision to fly was a good one, worth €186,240 to the 25-year-old, who busted in third. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p>A final hat tip to Martin Jacobson (engage the roller coaster cliché now and press go). The Swede soared high yesterday before plunging into the depths, reaching the final table with just 441,000, a shadow of his former stack that had once dominated the tournament room horizon. Yet the Swede turned that disadvantage into a strength, coming back powerfully and almost making it the most memorable rally of all. A mighty performance that should not be forgotten amid English celebrations.</p>
<p>The final result:</p>
<p>1. Toby Lewis, United Kingdom, PokerStars player, €467,835<br />
2. Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier, €297,984<br />
3. Jason Lee, United States, PokerStars qualifier, €186,240<br />
4. Sam Trickett, United Kingdom, €139,680<br />
5. Teddy Sheringham, Friend of PokerStars, UK, €93,120<br />
6. Frederick Jensen, PokerStars player, Denmark, €74,496<br />
7. Rob Hollink, Holland, €55,872<br />
8. Sergio Coutinho, Portugal, €37,248</p>
<p>It proved one of the best finals for some time on the EPT, a tenth British winner, continuing the tradition of at least one British winner in each EPT season. It's certainly worth looking back on at any of the links below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-profiles-073047.html">Final table profiles</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-23-updat-073048.html">Level 23 & 24 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-25-updat-073061.html">Level 25, 26, 27 & 28 updates</a></p>
<p>That brings our EPT Vilamoura coverage to a close. Thanks for joining us on the Algarve this week and our congratulations go to winner Toby Lewis, currently being mugged, hugged and beered by his emotionally whooped up friends.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis with his rail, including Daniel Negreanu</center></i><p></p>
<p>If you'd prefer this in another language, or you're an English speaker sick of the soon to be short-lived 10-win patriotism, you can find coverage of the day in <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.de">five-wins-German</a>, only <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.nl">four-wins-Dutch</a>, <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pt">two-win-Portuguese</a> and <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.it">one-win-Italian</a>. Our thanks also to our photographer Neil Stoddart who battled legal restraint to take the pictures this week, and never once faltered in the face of some truly striking MS Paint work on our part.</p>
<p>That's all from us. Next stop London at the end of September where we'll swap sun and heat for damp and exhaust fumes. You won't want to miss it. See you there.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="beach.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/beach.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The beach, earlier. It's now dark</i></center><br>"
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string(9225) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p>Expectations were high when we touched down in Vilamoura last Friday. The weatherman forecast glorious sun, the hotel promised brand new views and freshly grouted luxury, and the European Poker Tour promised a week of poker better than any Portugal had ever witnessed before. We got all three.</p>
<p>Tonight, as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, Toby Lewis is the newest winner on the world's best poker tour, victorious tonight after a fiercely contested final table, and now €467,835 richer. </p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_cup.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_cup.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>EPT Vilamoura winner Toby Lewis</i></center><br></p>
<p>It came after eight hours of first-rate poker, at a table that featured former poker champions, former football stars and several of those enigmatic newcomers you predict will stick around and make names for themselves.</p>
<p>The likes of Jacobson, Trickett and Lee are among that bunch. Each arrived today intent on winning EPT silverware and all could have done so if things, tiny details, had gone their way. Instead, it's the 20-year-old from Southampton, who takes the glory, ahead of Martin Jacobson, his worthy adversary, having quietly obliterated the opposition.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>Never one to say something when dead silence would do, Lewis showed confidence beyond his years to breeze through the day. He arrived with the narrowest of leads but finished with the lot. Heads-up Lewis began to excel, undaunted by his chip disadvantage, he soon wrestled control of the final, retaking the lead, and then regrouping when Jacobson brought things back to all square, ultimately securing the win. </p>
<p>"Martin lost a big pot to me in the middle of day two and it didn't faze him at all," said Lewis. "He's a really good player and he doesn't make big mistakes. I knew he'd be hard to beat and that I'd have to cold deck him like I did in the final hand."</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="finalists_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/finalists_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The finalists</i></center><br>
<p>Eight hours ago the first question on some people's minds, albeit British ones, was how would the English perform? Three Englanders had reached the final, the first time that had happened since EPT Dublin in season three. Some were cynical enough to predict failure for Albion. Not so the dozen Brits on the rail, intent on celebrating each Lewis, Trickett or Sheringham victory, with the ceremonial hoisting aloft of a fresh beer.</p>
<p>It wasn't just the British out in force for Sheringham. The former England and Manchester United star is known beyond British borders for his exploits on the football field. He made a career best fifth place finish today worth €93,120.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Sam Trickett became the poster boy for bad luck, his surname becoming synonymous with the phrase "running bad". Trickett was quick to engage in a campaign of attrition against his opponents while getting a day long massage. </p>
<p>First he spoiled any hope of a first double EPT winner by consistently beating short stacked Rob Hollink around the head with raises until the Dutchman could wait no longer and departed in seventh, behind eighth place local hero Sergio Coutinho and before Frederick Jensen in sixth.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett then took it upon himself to take on anyone who dared shove, but while invariably ahead on the showdown he would be left with the worst of it on Fifth Street. It cost him greatly, and then some more, until his Vilamoura campaign ran out of pluck in fourth. </p>
<p>Closely behind him followed young American Jason Lee, cheered all the way by a slightly more modest rail of Annette Obrestad and Scott Montgomery. Lee defied his dislike for long haul flights to play only his second EPT. The decision to fly was a good one, worth €186,240 to the 25-year-old, who busted in third. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_fin.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_fin.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p>A final hat tip to Martin Jacobson (engage the roller coaster cliché now and press go). The Swede soared high yesterday before plunging into the depths, reaching the final table with just 441,000, a shadow of his former stack that had once dominated the tournament room horizon. Yet the Swede turned that disadvantage into a strength, coming back powerfully and almost making it the most memorable rally of all. A mighty performance that should not be forgotten amid English celebrations.</p>
<p>The final result:</p>
<p>1. Toby Lewis, United Kingdom, PokerStars player, €467,835<br />
2. Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier, €297,984<br />
3. Jason Lee, United States, PokerStars qualifier, €186,240<br />
4. Sam Trickett, United Kingdom, €139,680<br />
5. Teddy Sheringham, Friend of PokerStars, UK, €93,120<br />
6. Frederick Jensen, PokerStars player, Denmark, €74,496<br />
7. Rob Hollink, Holland, €55,872<br />
8. Sergio Coutinho, Portugal, €37,248</p>
<p>It proved one of the best finals for some time on the EPT, a tenth British winner, continuing the tradition of at least one British winner in each EPT season. It's certainly worth looking back on at any of the links below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-profiles-073047.html">Final table profiles</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-23-updat-073048.html">Level 23 & 24 updates</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept/2010/ept-vilamoura-final-table-level-25-updat-073061.html">Level 25, 26, 27 & 28 updates</a></p>
<p>That brings our EPT Vilamoura coverage to a close. Thanks for joining us on the Algarve this week and our congratulations go to winner Toby Lewis, currently being mugged, hugged and beered by his emotionally whooped up friends.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_rail_vilamoura.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis with his rail, including Daniel Negreanu</center></i><p></p>
<p>If you'd prefer this in another language, or you're an English speaker sick of the soon to be short-lived 10-win patriotism, you can find coverage of the day in <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.de">five-wins-German</a>, only <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.nl">four-wins-Dutch</a>, <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/pt">two-win-Portuguese</a> and <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.it">one-win-Italian</a>. Our thanks also to our photographer Neil Stoddart who battled legal restraint to take the pictures this week, and never once faltered in the face of some truly striking MS Paint work on our part.</p>
<p>That's all from us. Next stop London at the end of September where we'll swap sun and heat for damp and exhaust fumes. You won't want to miss it. See you there.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="beach.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/beach.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>The beach, earlier. It's now dark</i></center><br>"
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string(1516) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>In just a matter of days, PokerStars will be kicking off the ninth annual <A href="http://www.wcoop.com">World Championship of Online Poker</a>. If you're bankroll needs an extra little boost going into the big month of tournaments, the world's biggest online poker site is ready to offer some help. </p>
<p>Between now and the end of the day on September 11, your deposits will earn you a reload bonus of up to $100 (or the equivalent in €, £ or Canadian $). All you do is reload your account with the bonus code 'WCOOP' and you'll receive 20% of the value of your deposit as a pending bonus.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="wcoop_reload.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/wcoop_reload.jpg" width="266" height="254" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>
<p>After that, you'll have to earn the rest of it by racking up some VIP Player Points, and it's not too tough to do that. </p>
<p>There are some details you'll want to know before depositing, so for all the information you will need, check out the <a href="http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/promotions/bonus/wcoop/">WCOOP reload bonus</a> page.</p>
<p>Good luck in WCOOP!</p>"
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string(31) "Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:49:32 -0800"
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string(1516) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ps_news_thn.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ps_news_thn.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>In just a matter of days, PokerStars will be kicking off the ninth annual <A href="http://www.wcoop.com">World Championship of Online Poker</a>. If you're bankroll needs an extra little boost going into the big month of tournaments, the world's biggest online poker site is ready to offer some help. </p>
<p>Between now and the end of the day on September 11, your deposits will earn you a reload bonus of up to $100 (or the equivalent in €, £ or Canadian $). All you do is reload your account with the bonus code 'WCOOP' and you'll receive 20% of the value of your deposit as a pending bonus.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="wcoop_reload.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/wcoop_reload.jpg" width="266" height="254" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>
<p>After that, you'll have to earn the rest of it by racking up some VIP Player Points, and it's not too tough to do that. </p>
<p>There are some details you'll want to know before depositing, so for all the information you will need, check out the <a href="http://www.pokerstars.com/poker/promotions/bonus/wcoop/">WCOOP reload bonus</a> page.</p>
<p>Good luck in WCOOP!</p>"
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string(72) "EPT Vilamoura: Final table level 25, 26, 27 & 28 updates (40,000-80,000)"
["description#"]=>
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string(23234) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>Lewis fades two outs for the title</b><br />
These two young aggressive players didn't want to hang around and the shortening of the levels proved that. It took around four hands of this level before we had the second all-in of this heads-up battle. Lewis raised to 160,000 from the button and was called by Jacobson to go to the [ac][9h][ts] flop where the action went check-check. </p>
<p>The fireworks were soon let off though on the [5s] turn as the Swede led for 180,000 only to be raised to 525,000. Jacobson put another raise in making it 1,025,000 but he was soon under pressure when Lewis bumped it up to 2,025,000. Jacobson really thought hard now as he had 4,250,000 behind so knew he was playing for his tournament right here if he was to continue in the hand. He decided his holding was that strong and moved all in. CALL!</p>
<p>Jacobson; [9d][5d]<br />
Lewis: [5c][5h]</p>
<p>Jacobson only had two nines in the deck to hit and one chance to hit. The river came [tc] to send the pot Lewis's way along with the title. His supporters on the rail, all a little bit inebriated by now, swarmed him to give him big hugs. One close friend, Chris Brammer was even reduced to tears.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Toby Lewis for a patient and well timed assault of this most enjoyable final table. Also well played to Martin Jacobson for nearly ruining the British party with a great performance. -- MC </p>
<p><br />
<b>8.03pm: Toby Lewis wins EPT Vilamoura</b><br />
Details to follow. Lewis gets €467,835 for first place while Martin Jacobson receives €297,984. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.55pm: And here we go again</b><br />
Cards are back in the air again. Word has come back that the players have agreed to move to 30-minute levels rather than the full one hour. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.40pm: Break</b><br />
The heads up combatants are taking a 15-minute break. The table is finely balanced with Lewis holding a slither of a lead but to all extents and purposes the pair are evenly matched. It could go either way. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.35pm: Nearly even stevens</b><br />
Jacobson is almost back to even with Lewis after forcing him off a pot. The Swede raised to 125,000 from the button and called Lewis' 385,000 three-bet from the BB. Lewis led for 435,000 on the [js][7h][3c] flop but check-folded to the heavily breathing Jacobson and his 950,000 bet on the [8s] turn. -- MC </p>
<p><b>7.30pm: Lewis making dents again</b><br />
After doubling up Martin Jacobson a short while ago, Toby Lewis is setting about extending his lead once more. First he bet 125,000 and Jacobson called to see a [6s][kc][3d] flop. Lewis then bet 150,000 and that was enough to take it.</p>
<p>Next hand Jacobson made it 125,000 then folded when Lewis fired it up to 385,000. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.22pm: It's on!</b><br />
Jacobson raised to 125,00 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000 and Jacobson moved all-in for 2,350,000. Lewis called. </p>
<p>Lewis: [ac][8d]<br />
Jacobson: [7s][7h]</p>
<p>A coin flip for the EPT title and Lewis looked like he was holding a lot of emotion as the rail came streaming in towards the table shouting for an ace. No ace on the [jh][ks][3h] flop. No ace or eight on the [jd] turn either. "King," screamed the rail and Jacobson allowed himself a smile. The [4d] fell on the river and Jacobson doubled up to 4,700,000. Lewis has the lead with 6,800,000. So close for Lewis who will have to reset and regroup. -- RD</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilamoura_final table_martin jacobson.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_6644_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson: back from the brink</center></i><p></p>
<p><br />
<b>7.15pm: Nice one for Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis has extended his lead once more. He made it 125,000 and Martin Jacobson called. The flop was [3c][ah][kc] and Jacobson check-called Lewis' 125,000 bet. On the [qd] river, Jacobson check-called 425,000 before both checked the [4s] river. Jacobson had [as][2c] but Lewis had him out-pipped with [ad][5h].</p>
<p>Jacobson has slipped back to 2.8million while Lewis has approaching 8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.10pm: The calm after the storm?</b><br />
Things have slowed down a little bit here after Lewis' triple-barrelling. There has been a couple of raise and takes and the odd open fold too. There's been one flop but that was quickly bet by Lewis who took the pot down. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.05pm: Lewis speeds up</b><br />
Lewis three-barreled out of position and it did the trick. He called a Jacobson 125,000 button raise before he led for 150,000 on the [8s][2d][jc] flop. Jacobson called and then called a 375,000 bet on the [4c] turn. The river came [9s] and there was no slowing down Lewis who fired 475,000 into the middle. Jacobson gave it a minute's thought before sliding his cards into the muck. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.55pm: Jacobson gets some back</b><br />
After a couple of raise and takes Jacobson raised from the small blind to 150,000 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000. Jacobson made the call. Lewis led the [th][9h][kc] flop for 400,000 and Jacobson decided to move all-in. Lewis passed. It's a significant and vital chip swing for Jacobson. Lewis still in the lead. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.50pm: All quiet</b><br />
We've seen no flops since the post below. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.44pm: Jacobson stops the leak</b><br />
Martin Jacobson has taken down his first pot in a while. He raised to 100,000 and then tank-called when Lewis three-bet to 385,000. The flop came [4h][kd][ts] and the play went check-check. Lewis also checked the [ks] turn and folded when his opponent fired 425,000 at the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>6.40pm: More for Lewis</b><br />
The Brit Toby Lewis is piling on the aggression. For the third time in a row Martin Jacobson made it 125,000, but instead of folding like the first two times, Lewis re-raised to 385,000 total. Jacobson was not done yet, making it 775,000. Things were tense as Lewis went over his options - he decided to move all-in, and Jacobson insta-mucked.</p>
<p>Right now it's Lewis on around 8.7 million and Jacobson on 2.8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.35pm: Big pot alert</b><br />
Lewis was on the small blind and raised it up to 150,000 and Jacobson called. The Swede checked the [8d][7s][4d] flop and Lewis bet another 150,000. Jacobson raised to 375,000 and Lewis made the call. The turn was the [6d], an action card to say the least as it completed flush and straight draws. Jacobson led into it for 525,000 and Lewis quietly announced that he was all-in. Jacobson didn't need to think for long before he passed. Lewis has a 3-1 chip lead now. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.27pm: Two small pots for Sweden</b><br />
Jacobson has taken down two small pots in a row. In the first hand he raised to 125,000 and Lewis called before check-folding to a 150,000 bet on the [qh][6c][3h] flop. The next hand Lewis raised to 125,000 from the button but folded to a Jacobson 310,000 three-bet. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.21pm: First one to Lewis</b><br />
Back from the break and Toby Lewis raised first hand to 125,000, called by Martin Jacobson. Both checked the [3s][jc][ah] flop, and on the [8d] turn Lewis called Jacobson's 150,000 bet. Both then checked the [5s] river and Lewis' [7h][8s] was good enough to take it. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.18pm: Get ready</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Martin Jacobson are heading back to their seats. Blinds will now be 30,000-60,000</p>
<p><b>6.07pm: Lewis wins another big one</b><br />
Lewis min-raised to 100,00 from the small blind and Jacobson made it 250,000 from the big blind. Lewis called. Jacobson led the [5h][2d][kd] flop for 325,000. Lewis called. Jacobson bet another 725,000 on the [js] turn. Lewis called again. The [3h] dropped on the river and neither player wanted to take things any further. Lewis showed [kc][th] to take the pot and lengthen his chip lead. The stacks are around 4,485,000 for Jacobson and 7,050,000 for Lewis. </p>
<p>The players are taking a well-earned 15-minute break. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.02pm: Little movement</b><br />
They're trading small blows at the moment. Twice Toby Lewis has raised to 100,000 and got a call from Martin Jacobson. On the first one Lewis bet 125,000 on the [kh][jc][ad] flop and got a fold. The second went on a little longer - both checked the [qh][qd][4c] flop, but on the [7c] turn Jacobson made it 100,000 and Lewis called. Jacobson then slowed down to a check on the [3d] river, then folded when Lewis reached for 300,000 chips. -- SY</p>
<p><b>5.55pm: Lewis edges into chip lead</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just moved into the chip lead after winning a sizable pot without a showdown. He raised to 100,000 from the button and Jacobson called for a [6c][ks][4c] flop where he check-called a 135,000 bet. The turn came [5h] and Jacobson check-called a 300,000 bet. Jacobson checked the [9h] river and the Brit really upped the pressure with a 1,175,000 bet. Jacobson thought and studied his opponent who was looking into the distance before folding. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.50pm: Lewis clawing back chips</b><br />
Jacobson raised from the small blind to 105,000 and Lewis called in the big. Both players checked the [9h][td][7h] flop before Lewis led the [5c] turn for 120,000. The [6h] river completed the two major draws and Lewis pushed forward another 250,000. Jacobson didn't think long before opting to pass. Lewis is up to 5,125,000 and Jacobson slides to 6,350,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>5.45pm: No show</b><br />
On a flop of [td][jc][ah] Jacobson bet 130,000 which Lewis called for a [4d] turn. Again, Jacobson bet, making it 300,000 this time, which Lewis called for a [3d] river. Both checked, Jacobson mucking before Lewis had shown. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.40pm: Chip counts at the beginning of heads-up play</b><br />
Martin Jacobson - 7,075,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,405,000</p>
<p><b>5.38pm: We're heads-up</b><br />
Three-handed play didn't last long with the elimination of Jason Lee in third. He open shoved for just under one million chips and was snap-called by Martin Jacobson in the BB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Jacobson: [ac][td]<br />
Lee: [ah][5h]</p>
<p>The board ran [3c][4s][9d][ts][js]. Lee said he card dead all day and he had a horrible seat draw today with the uber-aggressive Trickett to his left. His final table started after Trickett departed but things didn't work out for him. €186,240 should soften the blow somewhat. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.35pm: Lee not leaving</b><br />
Jason Lee just moved all-in for 965,000. Lewis folded by Jacobson went into the tank, thinking, moving chips around and eventually folding. Lee still alive. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.20pm: Pre-flop battle</b><br />
The two chip leaders just battled in a pre-flop raising war. Toby Lewis raised to 135,000 from the SB to face a three-bet to 300,000 from Martin Jacobson. Lewis' response was to four-bet to 660,000 and after a lot of though the Swedish chip leader folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.15pm: Trickett out of here</b><br />
In the end it seemed the most humane outcome. Sam Trickett's final table suffering had gone on for so long that his own elimination can only come as gentle relief. That's not true of course and Trickett looked devastated as he shook hands a few moments ago, eliminated by Martin Jacobson after an afternoon spent trying to catch a break.</p>
<p>All in after all-in was called by Trickett, who more often than not was ahead on showdown, only to be behind when it mattered. So when Toby Lewis opened for 110,000 under the gun and Martin Jacobson raised to 265,000 from the button, Trickett saw his chance and pushed all in for just short of 1,400,000. </p>
<p>Lewis folded quickly but Jacobson was going nowhere, asking for a count, looking again at his cards, pulling out towards of orange chips from around the back ready to push in. After confirming that it was 1,105,000 to call his did so, turning over [qh][jh] to Trickett's [2h][2s]. </p>
<p>"I got it," said Trickett to friends on the rail with some good British irony. "I got it, I got the deuces." Jacobson came to shake hands and they both awaited the board. [jd][5h][8h][3c][4s]. Jacobson had been ahead on the flop and never looked back. Trickett out, Jacobson up to more than 5.5 million. Down to three players. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.05pm: Sheringham eliminated in 5th place (€93,120)</b><br />
Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has been eliminated in 5th place by the recent Swedish force known as Martin Jacobson. The former footballer raised to 125,000 from under-the-gun and was called by Jacobson to see a [ks][9d][th] flop. The action went check-check before Sheringham led for 275,000 on the [9h] turn. Jacobson raised to 590,000 and then snap-called when his Sheringham moved all-in.</p>
<p>Sheringham tabled [kc][qc] for two-pair but Jacobson had a straight with [qs][jc]. The river blanked with a [3s] and Sheringham left to an almighty round of applause. Jacobson regains the chip lead he held yesterday with 4.9 million. -- MC </p>
<p><b>4.55pm: Jacobson hits Trickett hard</b><br />
Martin Jacobson opened from the hi-jack to 110,000 and was called by Sam Trickett on the button. The Swede led for 140,000 on the [2h][9h][3d] flop and Trickett called. Jacobson bet another 270,000 as the flush appeared on the [7h] turn and Trickett called again. The four-flush and paired board materialised on the river with the [3h] and Jacobson bet 510,000. Trickett called and was shown the nut flush with [ah][kh]. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.50pm: Play re-starts</b><br />
With an armed, dismounted mounted police officer patrolling the smoking area, the players have returned for level 26. </p>
<p><b>4.40pm: Chip counts at the break</b></p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,490,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,350,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 1,850,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,215,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 2,615,000</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 25,000-50,000, ANTE 5,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>4.36pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are on another 15 minute break.</p>
<p><b>4.35pm: Lewis picking up the pace</b><br />
Lewis seemed to have picked up the pace a little bit towards the end of the level, winning a few hands with simple 90,000 raises pre-flop. That's what happened on the last hand before a 15-minute break was announced. When the players return the blinds will be a huge 25,000-50,000, 5,000 ante. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.30pm: Trickett wins big pot......</b><br />
....without showdown. Sam Trickett has got a lot of those lost chips back after forcing a fold from Martin Jacobson. Trickett raised to 80,000 from early position and was called by the Swede from the BB. Jacobson check-called a 125,000 bet on the [2h][3s][8d] flop and 325,000 on the [4s] turn. The river came [jc] and Trickett <i>emptied the clip</i> with a 625,000 bet when it was checked to him again. Jacobson tank-folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>4.25pm: Trickett can't win a showdown</b><br />
You can tell Sam Trickett is trying to shrug off the frustration of this final table. He just can't win a showdown after getting it in pre-flop and this last one was the worst. Jason Lee shoved [as][2c] from the cut-off and Trickett moved all-in behind him from the button with [ah][kd]. The flop instantly put Lee ahead on the [ad][2c][qd] flop but the [4d] turn gave Trickett plenty of outs to get back in front; any four, queen, king or diamond. None of them came and Lee is back up to over one million. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.20pm: In the blinds</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 105,000 in the small blind. Martin Jacobson was waiting in the big and called for a [5d][8d][4h] flop. Lewis then bet 130,000 and Jacobson made it 140,000 more. Good enough to force Lewis to fold. -- SB</p>
<p><b>4.15pm: Can't win a show-down</b><br />
Sam Trickett has been the most active player at this final table and has easily won the most pots without showdown. The poor guy just can't win an all-in showdown, though, no matter how hard he tries or how far he's ahead. The latest player to double through the Brit is Swedish representative Martin Jacobson.</p>
<p>Jacobson raised to 80,000 to see Trickett three-bet to 200,000 from the SB which was exactly the same action as one orbit ago. The last time Jacobson folded but this time he moved all-in for 1,132,000. Trickett called quickly to create a showdown:<br />
<br />
Trickett: [jd][js]<br />
Jacobson: [qd][jc]</p>
<p>"Ive got to win one of these" said Trickett before the board ran [5d][2d][6d][ad][5h]. Maybe not then! Trickett down to 2.3 million. --MC</p>
<p><b>4.09pm: Four million</b><br />
Jason Lee opened for 80,000 from the button which Sam Trickett called in the small blind. Trickett is playing well and has to, as I suspect he'll need a top three finish to pay his massage bill. On a flop of [kd][2s][5h] both checked for a [4h] turn card. Trickett then bet 125,000 which Lee called for a [4d] river card. Another 500,000 from Trickett this time which Lee went on to call. We never saw his cards though. Trickett showed [ks][qs] to win the hand and move up to nearly 4 million. Lee down to just 700,000. -- SB</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_d5.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_d5.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p><b>4.07pm: Rail to get louder</b><br />
The British rail is about to get a little noisier. All those cheering on Toby Lewis/Sam Trickett/Teddy Sheringham have now taken delivery of large beers (previously they were content with smaller bottles). -- SY</p>
<p><b>4.05pm: Sheringham playing snug</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham has been playing a calm and composed tournament and it doesn't look like he's going to change that to make any major mistakes in this five-handed action. Jason Lee opened to 84,000 from the button and Sheringham passed in the big blind. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.03pm: Three-way action</b><br />
Jason Lee opened the action from the hijack to 85,000 (for the second hand on the bounce) and was called by Sam Trickett and Martin Jacobson. The Swede checked as did Lee and Trickett took down the [tc][8d][8s] flop with a 150,000 bet. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4pm: Football fan </b><br />
I doubt there's any kind of metagame attached to it but Martin Jacobson has just said to Sheringham: "You used to play for my favorite football team... two years before I was born." Sheringham quickly clicked the Swede was talking about Djurgårdens IF a team that he went on loan to in 1985 (playing 21 times and scoring 13 goals). "Good club," replied Sheringham. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.52pm: Anglo tension</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 90,000 which Sheringham folded to in the small blind but Toby Lewis called in the big. The flop came [3d][8h][9s] and Lewis bet 110,000 which Trickett called without ceremony. They both checked the [9h] turn and did the same for the [jd] river. Trickett showed [as][8s] to take it down, beating Lewis's [ad][5d]. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.47pm: Pre-flop dominance</b><br />
All the action in the last two orbits has been pre-flop and one player has taken 80-90% of the chips on offer. Sam Trickett has raised and taken most pots and when Toby Lewis raised to 90,000 into his BB he responded with a three-bet to take the pot down. This is one player who is not looking to ladder up the payouts. -- MC</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>3.38pm: Deal me in</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 80,000 which Teddy Sheringham called in the small blind. Toby Lewis immediately raised to 245,000 in the big blind. Trickett folded but Sheringham thought about it for a while, asking the dealer to spread the chips a little before eventually folding.</p>
<p>At this point Mario the dealer finished his duties, thanked the players and got up to leave. Only there was no replacement for him, so instead he sat back down again. Thomas Kremser also sat down, at the empty seat left by Rob Hollink. To much amusement Mario dealt him before snatching the card back and passing it back along to Sheringham. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.30pm: Frederick Jensen eliminated in 6th for €74,496</b><br />
Frederick Jensen is the most recent casualty, departing EPT Vilamoura in sixth place for €74,496. The Dane had moved all-in from the small blind into Teddy Sheringham's big blind and the former professional football player made the call.</p>
<p>Sheringham: [5d][5s] <br />
Jensen: [ac][jd]</p>
<p>It was a huge flip for Jensen and one that gave him a huge number of outs on the [qs][3h][qc] flop and [th] turn. Any ten, ace, jack or king would have kept the Dane in it. It wasn't to be, though, as a [6h] dropped on the river. Sheringham is up to 2.3m and moves into second place behind Toby Lewis (who is on 4,000,000). -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.23pm: Not the hand we were expecting</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Fredrick Jensen tangled once more in the first hand back from break. Jensen made it 80,000 to go from the button and Lewis called from the BB. Both players checked to the river where the board read [4d][6h][6d][2c][th] before Lewis over-bet the pot to the tune of 195,000. Jensen tank-called and was very surprised to see Lewis table [kc][ks] for the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>3.15pm: Here we go again</b><br />
Players are back at the table. With six left, each is now guaranteed at least €74,496 - that was probably a week's wages for former soccer star Teddy Sheringham (ok, that's a slight exaggeration).</p>
<p>As they sit down, here are the current chip counts, with blinds now at 20,000-40,000 and a 4,000 running ante:</p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson</center></i><p></p>
<p><i>PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of smartness today): Stephen Bartley (shirt and tie - really!), Marc Convey (trendy - he claims - shirt), Simon Young (usual PokerStars t-shirt) and Rick Dacey (tramp-like)</i></p>
<p>All photos (c) Neil Stoddart</p>"
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string(42) "European Poker Tour season seven Vilamoura"
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string(23234) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span><b>Lewis fades two outs for the title</b><br />
These two young aggressive players didn't want to hang around and the shortening of the levels proved that. It took around four hands of this level before we had the second all-in of this heads-up battle. Lewis raised to 160,000 from the button and was called by Jacobson to go to the [ac][9h][ts] flop where the action went check-check. </p>
<p>The fireworks were soon let off though on the [5s] turn as the Swede led for 180,000 only to be raised to 525,000. Jacobson put another raise in making it 1,025,000 but he was soon under pressure when Lewis bumped it up to 2,025,000. Jacobson really thought hard now as he had 4,250,000 behind so knew he was playing for his tournament right here if he was to continue in the hand. He decided his holding was that strong and moved all in. CALL!</p>
<p>Jacobson; [9d][5d]<br />
Lewis: [5c][5h]</p>
<p>Jacobson only had two nines in the deck to hit and one chance to hit. The river came [tc] to send the pot Lewis's way along with the title. His supporters on the rail, all a little bit inebriated by now, swarmed him to give him big hugs. One close friend, Chris Brammer was even reduced to tears.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Toby Lewis for a patient and well timed assault of this most enjoyable final table. Also well played to Martin Jacobson for nearly ruining the British party with a great performance. -- MC </p>
<p><br />
<b>8.03pm: Toby Lewis wins EPT Vilamoura</b><br />
Details to follow. Lewis gets €467,835 for first place while Martin Jacobson receives €297,984. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.55pm: And here we go again</b><br />
Cards are back in the air again. Word has come back that the players have agreed to move to 30-minute levels rather than the full one hour. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.40pm: Break</b><br />
The heads up combatants are taking a 15-minute break. The table is finely balanced with Lewis holding a slither of a lead but to all extents and purposes the pair are evenly matched. It could go either way. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.35pm: Nearly even stevens</b><br />
Jacobson is almost back to even with Lewis after forcing him off a pot. The Swede raised to 125,000 from the button and called Lewis' 385,000 three-bet from the BB. Lewis led for 435,000 on the [js][7h][3c] flop but check-folded to the heavily breathing Jacobson and his 950,000 bet on the [8s] turn. -- MC </p>
<p><b>7.30pm: Lewis making dents again</b><br />
After doubling up Martin Jacobson a short while ago, Toby Lewis is setting about extending his lead once more. First he bet 125,000 and Jacobson called to see a [6s][kc][3d] flop. Lewis then bet 150,000 and that was enough to take it.</p>
<p>Next hand Jacobson made it 125,000 then folded when Lewis fired it up to 385,000. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.22pm: It's on!</b><br />
Jacobson raised to 125,00 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000 and Jacobson moved all-in for 2,350,000. Lewis called. </p>
<p>Lewis: [ac][8d]<br />
Jacobson: [7s][7h]</p>
<p>A coin flip for the EPT title and Lewis looked like he was holding a lot of emotion as the rail came streaming in towards the table shouting for an ace. No ace on the [jh][ks][3h] flop. No ace or eight on the [jd] turn either. "King," screamed the rail and Jacobson allowed himself a smile. The [4d] fell on the river and Jacobson doubled up to 4,700,000. Lewis has the lead with 6,800,000. So close for Lewis who will have to reset and regroup. -- RD</p>
<p><br />
<span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept vilamoura_final table_martin jacobson.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_6644_EPT7VIL_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson: back from the brink</center></i><p></p>
<p><br />
<b>7.15pm: Nice one for Lewis</b><br />
Toby Lewis has extended his lead once more. He made it 125,000 and Martin Jacobson called. The flop was [3c][ah][kc] and Jacobson check-called Lewis' 125,000 bet. On the [qd] river, Jacobson check-called 425,000 before both checked the [4s] river. Jacobson had [as][2c] but Lewis had him out-pipped with [ad][5h].</p>
<p>Jacobson has slipped back to 2.8million while Lewis has approaching 8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>7.10pm: The calm after the storm?</b><br />
Things have slowed down a little bit here after Lewis' triple-barrelling. There has been a couple of raise and takes and the odd open fold too. There's been one flop but that was quickly bet by Lewis who took the pot down. -- RD</p>
<p><b>7.05pm: Lewis speeds up</b><br />
Lewis three-barreled out of position and it did the trick. He called a Jacobson 125,000 button raise before he led for 150,000 on the [8s][2d][jc] flop. Jacobson called and then called a 375,000 bet on the [4c] turn. The river came [9s] and there was no slowing down Lewis who fired 475,000 into the middle. Jacobson gave it a minute's thought before sliding his cards into the muck. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.55pm: Jacobson gets some back</b><br />
After a couple of raise and takes Jacobson raised from the small blind to 150,000 and Lewis three-bet to 385,000. Jacobson made the call. Lewis led the [th][9h][kc] flop for 400,000 and Jacobson decided to move all-in. Lewis passed. It's a significant and vital chip swing for Jacobson. Lewis still in the lead. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.50pm: All quiet</b><br />
We've seen no flops since the post below. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.44pm: Jacobson stops the leak</b><br />
Martin Jacobson has taken down his first pot in a while. He raised to 100,000 and then tank-called when Lewis three-bet to 385,000. The flop came [4h][kd][ts] and the play went check-check. Lewis also checked the [ks] turn and folded when his opponent fired 425,000 at the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>6.40pm: More for Lewis</b><br />
The Brit Toby Lewis is piling on the aggression. For the third time in a row Martin Jacobson made it 125,000, but instead of folding like the first two times, Lewis re-raised to 385,000 total. Jacobson was not done yet, making it 775,000. Things were tense as Lewis went over his options - he decided to move all-in, and Jacobson insta-mucked.</p>
<p>Right now it's Lewis on around 8.7 million and Jacobson on 2.8 million. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.35pm: Big pot alert</b><br />
Lewis was on the small blind and raised it up to 150,000 and Jacobson called. The Swede checked the [8d][7s][4d] flop and Lewis bet another 150,000. Jacobson raised to 375,000 and Lewis made the call. The turn was the [6d], an action card to say the least as it completed flush and straight draws. Jacobson led into it for 525,000 and Lewis quietly announced that he was all-in. Jacobson didn't need to think for long before he passed. Lewis has a 3-1 chip lead now. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.27pm: Two small pots for Sweden</b><br />
Jacobson has taken down two small pots in a row. In the first hand he raised to 125,000 and Lewis called before check-folding to a 150,000 bet on the [qh][6c][3h] flop. The next hand Lewis raised to 125,000 from the button but folded to a Jacobson 310,000 three-bet. -- MC </p>
<p><b>6.21pm: First one to Lewis</b><br />
Back from the break and Toby Lewis raised first hand to 125,000, called by Martin Jacobson. Both checked the [3s][jc][ah] flop, and on the [8d] turn Lewis called Jacobson's 150,000 bet. Both then checked the [5s] river and Lewis' [7h][8s] was good enough to take it. -- SY</p>
<p><b>6.18pm: Get ready</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Martin Jacobson are heading back to their seats. Blinds will now be 30,000-60,000</p>
<p><b>6.07pm: Lewis wins another big one</b><br />
Lewis min-raised to 100,00 from the small blind and Jacobson made it 250,000 from the big blind. Lewis called. Jacobson led the [5h][2d][kd] flop for 325,000. Lewis called. Jacobson bet another 725,000 on the [js] turn. Lewis called again. The [3h] dropped on the river and neither player wanted to take things any further. Lewis showed [kc][th] to take the pot and lengthen his chip lead. The stacks are around 4,485,000 for Jacobson and 7,050,000 for Lewis. </p>
<p>The players are taking a well-earned 15-minute break. -- RD</p>
<p><b>6.02pm: Little movement</b><br />
They're trading small blows at the moment. Twice Toby Lewis has raised to 100,000 and got a call from Martin Jacobson. On the first one Lewis bet 125,000 on the [kh][jc][ad] flop and got a fold. The second went on a little longer - both checked the [qh][qd][4c] flop, but on the [7c] turn Jacobson made it 100,000 and Lewis called. Jacobson then slowed down to a check on the [3d] river, then folded when Lewis reached for 300,000 chips. -- SY</p>
<p><b>5.55pm: Lewis edges into chip lead</b><br />
Toby Lewis has just moved into the chip lead after winning a sizable pot without a showdown. He raised to 100,000 from the button and Jacobson called for a [6c][ks][4c] flop where he check-called a 135,000 bet. The turn came [5h] and Jacobson check-called a 300,000 bet. Jacobson checked the [9h] river and the Brit really upped the pressure with a 1,175,000 bet. Jacobson thought and studied his opponent who was looking into the distance before folding. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.50pm: Lewis clawing back chips</b><br />
Jacobson raised from the small blind to 105,000 and Lewis called in the big. Both players checked the [9h][td][7h] flop before Lewis led the [5c] turn for 120,000. The [6h] river completed the two major draws and Lewis pushed forward another 250,000. Jacobson didn't think long before opting to pass. Lewis is up to 5,125,000 and Jacobson slides to 6,350,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>5.45pm: No show</b><br />
On a flop of [td][jc][ah] Jacobson bet 130,000 which Lewis called for a [4d] turn. Again, Jacobson bet, making it 300,000 this time, which Lewis called for a [3d] river. Both checked, Jacobson mucking before Lewis had shown. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.40pm: Chip counts at the beginning of heads-up play</b><br />
Martin Jacobson - 7,075,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,405,000</p>
<p><b>5.38pm: We're heads-up</b><br />
Three-handed play didn't last long with the elimination of Jason Lee in third. He open shoved for just under one million chips and was snap-called by Martin Jacobson in the BB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Jacobson: [ac][td]<br />
Lee: [ah][5h]</p>
<p>The board ran [3c][4s][9d][ts][js]. Lee said he card dead all day and he had a horrible seat draw today with the uber-aggressive Trickett to his left. His final table started after Trickett departed but things didn't work out for him. €186,240 should soften the blow somewhat. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.35pm: Lee not leaving</b><br />
Jason Lee just moved all-in for 965,000. Lewis folded by Jacobson went into the tank, thinking, moving chips around and eventually folding. Lee still alive. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.20pm: Pre-flop battle</b><br />
The two chip leaders just battled in a pre-flop raising war. Toby Lewis raised to 135,000 from the SB to face a three-bet to 300,000 from Martin Jacobson. Lewis' response was to four-bet to 660,000 and after a lot of though the Swedish chip leader folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>5.15pm: Trickett out of here</b><br />
In the end it seemed the most humane outcome. Sam Trickett's final table suffering had gone on for so long that his own elimination can only come as gentle relief. That's not true of course and Trickett looked devastated as he shook hands a few moments ago, eliminated by Martin Jacobson after an afternoon spent trying to catch a break.</p>
<p>All in after all-in was called by Trickett, who more often than not was ahead on showdown, only to be behind when it mattered. So when Toby Lewis opened for 110,000 under the gun and Martin Jacobson raised to 265,000 from the button, Trickett saw his chance and pushed all in for just short of 1,400,000. </p>
<p>Lewis folded quickly but Jacobson was going nowhere, asking for a count, looking again at his cards, pulling out towards of orange chips from around the back ready to push in. After confirming that it was 1,105,000 to call his did so, turning over [qh][jh] to Trickett's [2h][2s]. </p>
<p>"I got it," said Trickett to friends on the rail with some good British irony. "I got it, I got the deuces." Jacobson came to shake hands and they both awaited the board. [jd][5h][8h][3c][4s]. Jacobson had been ahead on the flop and never looked back. Trickett out, Jacobson up to more than 5.5 million. Down to three players. -- SB</p>
<p><b>5.05pm: Sheringham eliminated in 5th place (€93,120)</b><br />
Friend of PokerStars Teddy Sheringham has been eliminated in 5th place by the recent Swedish force known as Martin Jacobson. The former footballer raised to 125,000 from under-the-gun and was called by Jacobson to see a [ks][9d][th] flop. The action went check-check before Sheringham led for 275,000 on the [9h] turn. Jacobson raised to 590,000 and then snap-called when his Sheringham moved all-in.</p>
<p>Sheringham tabled [kc][qc] for two-pair but Jacobson had a straight with [qs][jc]. The river blanked with a [3s] and Sheringham left to an almighty round of applause. Jacobson regains the chip lead he held yesterday with 4.9 million. -- MC </p>
<p><b>4.55pm: Jacobson hits Trickett hard</b><br />
Martin Jacobson opened from the hi-jack to 110,000 and was called by Sam Trickett on the button. The Swede led for 140,000 on the [2h][9h][3d] flop and Trickett called. Jacobson bet another 270,000 as the flush appeared on the [7h] turn and Trickett called again. The four-flush and paired board materialised on the river with the [3h] and Jacobson bet 510,000. Trickett called and was shown the nut flush with [ah][kh]. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.50pm: Play re-starts</b><br />
With an armed, dismounted mounted police officer patrolling the smoking area, the players have returned for level 26. </p>
<p><b>4.40pm: Chip counts at the break</b></p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,490,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,350,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 1,850,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,215,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 2,615,000</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 25,000-50,000, ANTE 5,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>4.36pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are on another 15 minute break.</p>
<p><b>4.35pm: Lewis picking up the pace</b><br />
Lewis seemed to have picked up the pace a little bit towards the end of the level, winning a few hands with simple 90,000 raises pre-flop. That's what happened on the last hand before a 15-minute break was announced. When the players return the blinds will be a huge 25,000-50,000, 5,000 ante. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4.30pm: Trickett wins big pot......</b><br />
....without showdown. Sam Trickett has got a lot of those lost chips back after forcing a fold from Martin Jacobson. Trickett raised to 80,000 from early position and was called by the Swede from the BB. Jacobson check-called a 125,000 bet on the [2h][3s][8d] flop and 325,000 on the [4s] turn. The river came [jc] and Trickett <i>emptied the clip</i> with a 625,000 bet when it was checked to him again. Jacobson tank-folded. -- MC</p>
<p><b>4.25pm: Trickett can't win a showdown</b><br />
You can tell Sam Trickett is trying to shrug off the frustration of this final table. He just can't win a showdown after getting it in pre-flop and this last one was the worst. Jason Lee shoved [as][2c] from the cut-off and Trickett moved all-in behind him from the button with [ah][kd]. The flop instantly put Lee ahead on the [ad][2c][qd] flop but the [4d] turn gave Trickett plenty of outs to get back in front; any four, queen, king or diamond. None of them came and Lee is back up to over one million. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.20pm: In the blinds</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 105,000 in the small blind. Martin Jacobson was waiting in the big and called for a [5d][8d][4h] flop. Lewis then bet 130,000 and Jacobson made it 140,000 more. Good enough to force Lewis to fold. -- SB</p>
<p><b>4.15pm: Can't win a show-down</b><br />
Sam Trickett has been the most active player at this final table and has easily won the most pots without showdown. The poor guy just can't win an all-in showdown, though, no matter how hard he tries or how far he's ahead. The latest player to double through the Brit is Swedish representative Martin Jacobson.</p>
<p>Jacobson raised to 80,000 to see Trickett three-bet to 200,000 from the SB which was exactly the same action as one orbit ago. The last time Jacobson folded but this time he moved all-in for 1,132,000. Trickett called quickly to create a showdown:<br />
<br />
Trickett: [jd][js]<br />
Jacobson: [qd][jc]</p>
<p>"Ive got to win one of these" said Trickett before the board ran [5d][2d][6d][ad][5h]. Maybe not then! Trickett down to 2.3 million. --MC</p>
<p><b>4.09pm: Four million</b><br />
Jason Lee opened for 80,000 from the button which Sam Trickett called in the small blind. Trickett is playing well and has to, as I suspect he'll need a top three finish to pay his massage bill. On a flop of [kd][2s][5h] both checked for a [4h] turn card. Trickett then bet 125,000 which Lee called for a [4d] river card. Another 500,000 from Trickett this time which Lee went on to call. We never saw his cards though. Trickett showed [ks][qs] to win the hand and move up to nearly 4 million. Lee down to just 700,000. -- SB</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="jason_lee_d5.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/jason_lee_d5.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Jason Lee</i></center><br>
<p><b>4.07pm: Rail to get louder</b><br />
The British rail is about to get a little noisier. All those cheering on Toby Lewis/Sam Trickett/Teddy Sheringham have now taken delivery of large beers (previously they were content with smaller bottles). -- SY</p>
<p><b>4.05pm: Sheringham playing snug</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham has been playing a calm and composed tournament and it doesn't look like he's going to change that to make any major mistakes in this five-handed action. Jason Lee opened to 84,000 from the button and Sheringham passed in the big blind. -- RD </p>
<p><b>4.03pm: Three-way action</b><br />
Jason Lee opened the action from the hijack to 85,000 (for the second hand on the bounce) and was called by Sam Trickett and Martin Jacobson. The Swede checked as did Lee and Trickett took down the [tc][8d][8s] flop with a 150,000 bet. -- RD</p>
<p><b>4pm: Football fan </b><br />
I doubt there's any kind of metagame attached to it but Martin Jacobson has just said to Sheringham: "You used to play for my favorite football team... two years before I was born." Sheringham quickly clicked the Swede was talking about Djurgårdens IF a team that he went on loan to in 1985 (playing 21 times and scoring 13 goals). "Good club," replied Sheringham. -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.52pm: Anglo tension</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 90,000 which Sheringham folded to in the small blind but Toby Lewis called in the big. The flop came [3d][8h][9s] and Lewis bet 110,000 which Trickett called without ceremony. They both checked the [9h] turn and did the same for the [jd] river. Trickett showed [as][8s] to take it down, beating Lewis's [ad][5d]. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.47pm: Pre-flop dominance</b><br />
All the action in the last two orbits has been pre-flop and one player has taken 80-90% of the chips on offer. Sam Trickett has raised and taken most pots and when Toby Lewis raised to 90,000 into his BB he responded with a three-bet to take the pot down. This is one player who is not looking to ladder up the payouts. -- MC</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ept_vilamoura_final.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Toby Lewis</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>3.38pm: Deal me in</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 80,000 which Teddy Sheringham called in the small blind. Toby Lewis immediately raised to 245,000 in the big blind. Trickett folded but Sheringham thought about it for a while, asking the dealer to spread the chips a little before eventually folding.</p>
<p>At this point Mario the dealer finished his duties, thanked the players and got up to leave. Only there was no replacement for him, so instead he sat back down again. Thomas Kremser also sat down, at the empty seat left by Rob Hollink. To much amusement Mario dealt him before snatching the card back and passing it back along to Sheringham. -- SB</p>
<p><b>3.30pm: Frederick Jensen eliminated in 6th for €74,496</b><br />
Frederick Jensen is the most recent casualty, departing EPT Vilamoura in sixth place for €74,496. The Dane had moved all-in from the small blind into Teddy Sheringham's big blind and the former professional football player made the call.</p>
<p>Sheringham: [5d][5s] <br />
Jensen: [ac][jd]</p>
<p>It was a huge flip for Jensen and one that gave him a huge number of outs on the [qs][3h][qc] flop and [th] turn. Any ten, ace, jack or king would have kept the Dane in it. It wasn't to be, though, as a [6h] dropped on the river. Sheringham is up to 2.3m and moves into second place behind Toby Lewis (who is on 4,000,000). -- RD</p>
<p><b>3.23pm: Not the hand we were expecting</b><br />
Toby Lewis and Fredrick Jensen tangled once more in the first hand back from break. Jensen made it 80,000 to go from the button and Lewis called from the BB. Both players checked to the river where the board read [4d][6h][6d][2c][th] before Lewis over-bet the pot to the tune of 195,000. Jensen tank-called and was very surprised to see Lewis table [kc][ks] for the pot. -- MC</p>
<p><b>3.15pm: Here we go again</b><br />
Players are back at the table. With six left, each is now guaranteed at least €74,496 - that was probably a week's wages for former soccer star Teddy Sheringham (ok, that's a slight exaggeration).</p>
<p>As they sit down, here are the current chip counts, with blinds now at 20,000-40,000 and a 4,000 running ante:</p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Martin Jacobson</center></i><p></p>
<p><i>PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of smartness today): Stephen Bartley (shirt and tie - really!), Marc Convey (trendy - he claims - shirt), Simon Young (usual PokerStars t-shirt) and Rick Dacey (tramp-like)</i></p>
<p>All photos (c) Neil Stoddart</p>"
["dc"]=>
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string(21440) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p><b>3pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are taking a 15 minute break after level 24. Here's how things stand after the best part of two levels: </p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><b>2.57pm: Trickett wins battle of aggression</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened with his usual raise to 60,000 from the button. Teddy Sheringham was in the big blind and having seen Trickett do this countless times already made it another 125,000 on top. Trickett was going nowhere, however, and thought for a moment or two before making it another 225,000 on top.</p>
<p>That stopped the action dead in its tracks as Sheringham mucked. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.52pm: Another set-up</b><br />
Frederick Jensen was the recipient of a huge double just moments ago, flopping a house into Sam Trickett's top trips. It was the Dane this time who found himself on the wrong end of a set-up. Jason Lee raised the button to 65,000 and was called by Trickett in the small blind and Jensen in the big. Both blinds checked the [6h][7c][7h] flop to Lee who bet 82,000. Trickett passed and Jensen raised to 215,000. Lee sat still for a shirt while before announcing that he was all-in. for 762,000. Jensen called.</p>
<p>Jensen: [3s][7s] for top trips<br />
Lee: [7d][9d] for top trips with a better kicker</p>
<p>Jensen was in need of a three for the win, or two cards higher than a nine or a six for the chop. None of those combinations came and Lee doubled to 1,720,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.46pm: Don't push me</b><br />
Toby Lewis made it 75,000 from the small blind, and Martin Jacobson took one quick look at his cards before moving a tower of orange 25,000 chips worth 500,000 into the middle. Lewis did not like that one bit and mucked instantly. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.42pm: What a set-up</b><br />
Trickett limped the small blind and Jensen checked behind. Trickett led the [tc][ts][4h] flop for 50,000. Jensen called. Trickett fired another 105,000 at the [9c] turn. Jensen called again. Trickett slid out a huge 405,000 bet on the [kh] river and Jensen moved all-in for 665,000. It was Trickett's time to make the call.</p>
<p>Trickett: [td][5d]<br />
Jensen: [4s][4c]</p>
<p>Both players had flopped massively in the limped pot and Jensen is now up to 1,620,000 taking an 800,000 chunk out of Trickett. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.34pm: Donk lead works</b><br />
Sam Trickett just took down a pot worth nearly 200,000 after leading for 100,000 on a [kc][qc][2s] flop. Toby Lewis started the action with a 68,000 raise from the hi-jack that both Trickett and Fredrick Jensen called from the blinds. Trickett took the initiative with his bet and that did the trick. -- MC</p>
<p><b>2.30pm: Pulling the trigger</b><br />
It was folded around to Martin Jacobson in the small blind, a perfect spot to push for his last 551,000. Jason Lee had a long look at his cards, but the more he looked the more he disliked them. He mucked.</p>
<p>Next hand it was folded around to Lee in the small blind. With 600,000 behind he might have fancied open shoving against Sam Trickett in the big blind. Alas, Lee looked down and saw [7s][2c], not quite good enough to go with. Trickett showed [qs][jc]. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.25pm: pm: Wet board, big hands, small pot</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened from the cut-off to 60,000 and was three-bet to 150,000 by Teddy Sheringham in the small blind. Trickett made the call. Both players checked the [8h][td][9h] flop. Then they checked the [ac] turn and finally they both quickly checked the [7s] river. Sheringham showed [kd][kh] and Trickett showed pocket queens. </p>
<p>The pot? Just 345,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.20pm: Lewis takes a bigger chunk this time</b><br />
Fredrick Jensen lost a bigger chunk to Toby Lewis on the very next hand. Jensen raised to 60,000 and once again the 20-year-old Brit three-bet. The amount was 175,000 and the Dane called to see a [kh][3d][2h] flop. Lewis continued with the aggression and led for 195,000. Jensen called before the [8s] turn and [qh] river were checked down. </p>
<p>Lewis tabled [qd][jc] for a rivered pair of queens. Jensen let out a gasp and showed [9c][9h] and said "Nice catch!" -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.15pm: Back to the three-bet</b><br />
Since Jensen and Jacobson doubled up there has been a little more depth at the table in terms of stacks, and that means less openings are all-in shoves. In turn that means the preflop three-bet is rearing its head more frequently. First Jacobson opened for 60,000 from the hi-jack and was three-bet by Jensen to 170,000 from the small blind. Jensen was then the one being forced to back down after min raising the button and getting attacked by Toby Lewis in the big blind with a three-bet to 175,000. -- RD </p>
<p><b>2.10pm: Passing chips around</b><br />
It's been a slow few minutes. Sam Trickett raised and took the blinds and antes. Then Teddy Sheringham did the same. Finally we saw a flop when Jason Lee made it 65,000 and Frederick Jensen called from the big blind. The flop was [5s][9c][kc] and Jensen check-folded to Lee's 75,000 bet. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.07pm: Ask Teddy</b></p>
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<p><br />
<b>2.05pm: Thin value bet chance declined</b><br />
Sam Trickett brushed off doubling-up another opponent by raising the next two pots in a row. His first 60,000 raise took the blinds and antes but the next was called by recent nemesis Martin Jacobson. </p>
<p>The flop came [ad][3d][jc] and Jacobson check-called a 75,000 bet before both checked the [2c] turn. Jacobson checked the [2s] river and so did Trickett after a good deal of thought. Trickett tabled [ah][th] which bested the Swede's [ac][7s]. -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.01pm: Jacobson and Trickett all-in again</b><br />
Martin Jacobson and Sam Trickett are all-in again with the Swede moving in for 418,000 from the cut-off and Trickett taking him on from the small blind.</p>
<p>Jacobson: [js][ks]<br />
Trickett: [ad][3d]</p>
<p>The board ran out [2c][4s][tc][4c][jh] with Jacobson getting saved on the river. The Swede strode to the rail to celebrate with one of his supporters with a high-five. Jacobson is up to 860,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.58pm: All-in! Call! Oh</b><br />
Martin Jacobson moved all-in from the button for 405,000 and Sam Trickett called from the big blind. Great excitement until the cards were turned over... [ad][6h] for Trickett, [ac][6s] for Jacobson. The board ran a rather uneventful [9s][10h][7h][qc][10d]. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.55pm: Treading carefully</b><br />
Sam Trickett raised under the gun to 60,000 and only Toby Lewis called from the button. Both checked the [8h][ac][qc] flop, and Trickett check-folded when Lewis made it 80,000 on the [6s] turn. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.50pm: That pesky monkey remains</b><br />
There will be no double EPT champion crowned here in Vilamoura as Rob Hollink has been eliminated in 7th place for €55,872. The action folded around to him in the cut-off and he moved all-in for 150,000 and was called by Teddy Sheringham in the SB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Hollink: [ts][8s]<br />
Sheringham: [ah][jh]</p>
<p>The board ran [3d][kh][ad][8c][7s]. The Dutchman got the generous round of applause he deserved and exited stage left. -- MC</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 15,000-30,000, ANTE 3,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>1.45pm: Back from the break</b><br />
Play re-starts after the break.</p>
<p><b>1.38pm: Chips</b><br />
Here is the current state of play:<br />
Teddy Sheringham - 1,900,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,000,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 445,000<br />
Jason Lee - 908,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 3,300,000<br />
Rob Hollink - 175,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 1,360,000</p>
<p><b>1.36pm: Level up</b><br />
That elimination also marked the end of level 23. We're on a 15-minute break for level 24, when blinds will be 15,000-30,000 (3,000 ante). -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.35pm: Sergio Coutinho, eliminated in eighth place for €37,248</b><br />
After a level spent calling all-ins Sam Trickett just eliminated the first player of the day. Sergio Coutinho open-shoved for around 160,000 on the button and Trickett called in the small blind. [8h][6s] for Coutinho against the [ah][8d] of Trickett.</p>
<p>The two players shook hands and waited for the board. It ran [5d][9d][qs][5s][qd]. Coutinho had needed a six or seven after the flop but that was as close as he came to doubling up. Instead he's the first to go. -- SB</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Sam Trickett</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>1.30pm: A stack to play back</b><br />
Two double-ups for Fredrick Jensen means he now has a stack to play back at the big boys - as Toby Lewis just found out. The Dane raised to 50,000 from the hijack to face a button three-bet to 135,000 from Lewis. Fredrick wasn't having any of it, though, and made it 295,000 to go, total. Lewis pulled a face and mucked his hand. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.20pm: No reply</b><br />
A series of hands with no real outcome. Sam Trickett moved all-in from the small blind, much to the irritation of Rob Hollink who had no option but to fold. Then Teddy Sheringham opened for two successive hands with no takers, before Hollink managed to get his chips into the middle, only to find no takers. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.15pm: Straight back on the horse</b><br />
Sam Trickett got straight back into the action after losing that big pot just before. He called a 53,000 button raise from Jason Lee while sat in the BB. The flop came [qs][qh][ac] and Trickett led for 65,000. Call. There was no slowing the Brit down on the [kh] turn as he led for 165,000. Lee went into the tank and ended up folding with a look of pain across his face. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.10pm: Jensen has just the Trickett</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 50,000 in early position and Frederick Jensen made it 90,000 more. With the action back on Trickett he announced all-in which Jensen called in a flash, showing [qc][qd] while Trickett could only muster [jc][jd]. </p>
<p>The board ran [6d][ad][9c][5d][qs] for Jensen's second double up, both of them being through Trickett. Jensen up to 1,100,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.07pm: Video time</b><br />
Brit Toby Lewis introduces the final table...</p>
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<p><b>1.05pm: Stealing his moves</b><br />
Rob Hollink has the cut of a frustrated man at the moment. His stack has shrunk to 155,000 and he can't find a spot to move all-in because Sam Trickett keeps min-raising in front of him. He therefore he has to find a genuine hand if it's to be three-bet shove as he knows he will be called. Just as we were about to publish this the action folded to Hollink and he moved all-in and managed to take the blinds and antes to increase his stack by around 30%. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1pm: 'We love you, Toby!'</b><br />
Toby Lewis has several railers here including Team PokerStars Pro JP Kelly, <a href="http://www.ukipt.com/leaderboard/">UKIPT leaderboard</a> challenger Chris Brammer and WSOP bracelet winner James Dempsey. It was the latter that just shouted out: "We love you, Toby." The Brits, somewhat unsurprisingly, already have beers in their hands and the railing is likely to get louder - and more liquid - as the day goes by. -- RD </p>
<p><b>12.56pm: Coutinho down</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 53,000 in the cut off which Sergio Coutinho called from the big blind. On the flop of [9d][7h][4d] Coutinho checked to Lewis who bet 60,000. Coutinho called that for a [kd] turn, again checking and then calling Lewis's bet of 135,000. On the [kc] river Coutinho checked again. Lewis bet 280,000 this time which Coutinho called, grimacing as he turned over [8d][qd] for a flush when seeing Lewis's [9c][9h] full house. Coutinho down to 290,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.53pm: Lee less blind</b><br />
Jason Lee took small pot off Martin Jacobson in the blinds. The Swede raised to 62,000 from the SB and the American called from the BB. The flop came [7h][9h][tc] and Jacobson check-folded to a 55,000 bet from Lee. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.50pm: Jacobson squeezes all-in</b><br />
Sam Trickett started this hand with a min raise to 48,000 from middle position. Frederick Jensen called in the cut-off before the action folded round to Martin Jacobson in the big blind who moved all-in for over 500,000. Both players passed. Jensen has dropped 100,000 in the last couple of hands. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.48pm: Sheringham strikes from the small blind</b><br />
Frederick Jensen opened the button for 48,000 and Teddy Sheringham three-bet to 160,000 from the small blind. Lewis looked like he was considering a move but decided against it. Jensen passed and Sheringam adds close to 100,000 to his stack. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.44pm: Lewis wins utg</b><br />
It's as simple as that. Toby Lewis opened the action under the gun and took the blinds with Teddy Sheringham passing his big blind. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.38pm: First of the all-ins</b><br />
The first all-in to be called just featured Frederick Jensen doubling through Sam Trickett. Trickett opened from the button for 48,000 and Jensen moved all-in for a little more than 300,000. Trickett called showing [ac][8c] to Jensen's [kc][7c]. </p>
<p>The board ran [5c][7d][6h][5h][7h], the flop putting Jensen into the lead and the river keeping him there. He's up to nearly 700,000 while Trickett slips to the 3 million mark. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.32pm: Trickett soars into lead</b><br />
To be honest Sam Trickett sort of hopped into the lead he's been craving to claim back after the last hand of yesterday's play. The first hand of the day he raised to 48,000 from early position and was only called by Toby Lewis on the button to see the [qs][2h][ah] flop. Check-check. The turn came [4s] and Trickett led for 58,000 which was good for the pot as Lewis folded. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.28pm: Play begins</b><br />
The EPT Vilamoura final table is under way. We're just hours away from someone winning €467,835. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is not to be sneezed at. Here are your eight finalists... -- SY</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><p></p>
<p><b>12.20pm: Nearly ready</b><br />
The final eight players are now in their seats. Thomas Kremser is making the introductions, we'll be off in around five minutes. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.15pm: What a relief</b><br />
Followers of PokerStars Blog this week will know we've had a spectacular run of fortune, making more than $12million from kindly ladies in Africa wanting help with their deceased fathers' fortunes, plus a cheeky win on an Australian state lottery (which we never entered, but we're keeping quiet about that).</p>
<p>Imagine our horror, therefore, to receive an email at blog@pokerstars.com from FBI Headquarters in Washington. We instantly feared the worst - perhaps the FBI was to tell us we had been conned and our bank accounts were being fleeced.</p>
<p>But no. It turns out this was <i>another</i> piece of good news. Dr Chad L. Fulgham was writing from the FBI to tell us his department had discovered we were owed $6million from China. We're not sure how, but we're certainly not questioning it, although his yahoo.cn email address is a worry (shouldn't it be fbi.com or something?). Nonetheless, we're sending him the $150 he needs to get the ball rolling.</p>
<p>So, we're now up to $18million this week. Quite impressive, we think you'll agree. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.10pm: Delayed start</b><br />
The players are here but not yet ready to play. Chips are on the table but the usual preliminaries are taking a few minutes. Play should be under way soonish. When play does start the blinds will be 12,000-24,000 with a 2,000 ante. -- SB</p>
<p><br />
Welcome back for the final table of EPT Vilamoura, the culmination of five days of play that began with a field of 384. Those players are just a memory now as the last eight emerge to fight it out for a first prize of €467,835. </p>
<p>The leader coming into the final is Englishman Toby Lewis, who last night snatched the chip lead from countryman Sam Trickett at the bell, ahead by just 4,000. Behind them is soccer legend Teddy Sheringham, making the top three an all English affair that we couldn't believe either. The table will line up like this:</p>
<p>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000<br />
Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000<br />
Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000<br />
Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000<br />
Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000<br />
Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000<br />
Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips<br />
Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</p>
<p>Lewis seems confident, or at least he's looking forward to the final. His Facebook status this morning reads: "BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM! 1/8 into the FINAL! Lets f do this 480k euros yes." I think that says it all.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Casino Vilamoura</i></center><br>
<p>And so to it. The players are arriving, well kind of. Martin Jacobson was just seen still eating breakfast back at the hotel and to be honest I can't see any of the others. But we're assured they're on their way, undergoing the rigours of a pre-match photo shoot with Neil Stoddart before taking their seats in Casino Vilamoura's tournament coliseum. </p>
<p>In honour of this momentous occasion the blog team are each decked out in ceremonial battle dress today, complete with staff blazers and ties, decorative sash, plus fours, tricorne hats and campaign medals. All except Rick Dacey, who follows us all making horse noises with two coconut shells. As leader Simon Young is entitled to carry a side arm.</p>
<p>Live coverage will begin shortly. You can find regularly updated chip counts throughout the day on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/chipcount.html">chip count page</a>, while all the results will be posted on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-vilamoura-7-prizewinners-and-payouts.html">prize winners page</a> as we inch nearer to a winner. Fancy starting from the beginning? Then all news from Vilamoura is posted at <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/">this</a> convenient link.</p>
<p><em><strong>PokerStars Blog reporting team at EPT Vilamoura (in order of Octopus eaten this week):</strong> Rick Dacey (1), Stephen Bartley (1), Marc Convey (1 tentacle) and Simon Young (not on your life). Photos by Neil Stoddart.</em></p>"
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<p><b>3pm: Break time</b><br />
Players are taking a 15 minute break after level 24. Here's how things stand after the best part of two levels: </p>
<p>Teddy Sheringham - 1,715,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,150,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 940,000<br />
Jason Lee - 1,890,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 1,840,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 840,000</p>
<p><b>2.57pm: Trickett wins battle of aggression</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened with his usual raise to 60,000 from the button. Teddy Sheringham was in the big blind and having seen Trickett do this countless times already made it another 125,000 on top. Trickett was going nowhere, however, and thought for a moment or two before making it another 225,000 on top.</p>
<p>That stopped the action dead in its tracks as Sheringham mucked. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.52pm: Another set-up</b><br />
Frederick Jensen was the recipient of a huge double just moments ago, flopping a house into Sam Trickett's top trips. It was the Dane this time who found himself on the wrong end of a set-up. Jason Lee raised the button to 65,000 and was called by Trickett in the small blind and Jensen in the big. Both blinds checked the [6h][7c][7h] flop to Lee who bet 82,000. Trickett passed and Jensen raised to 215,000. Lee sat still for a shirt while before announcing that he was all-in. for 762,000. Jensen called.</p>
<p>Jensen: [3s][7s] for top trips<br />
Lee: [7d][9d] for top trips with a better kicker</p>
<p>Jensen was in need of a three for the win, or two cards higher than a nine or a six for the chop. None of those combinations came and Lee doubled to 1,720,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.46pm: Don't push me</b><br />
Toby Lewis made it 75,000 from the small blind, and Martin Jacobson took one quick look at his cards before moving a tower of orange 25,000 chips worth 500,000 into the middle. Lewis did not like that one bit and mucked instantly. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.42pm: What a set-up</b><br />
Trickett limped the small blind and Jensen checked behind. Trickett led the [tc][ts][4h] flop for 50,000. Jensen called. Trickett fired another 105,000 at the [9c] turn. Jensen called again. Trickett slid out a huge 405,000 bet on the [kh] river and Jensen moved all-in for 665,000. It was Trickett's time to make the call.</p>
<p>Trickett: [td][5d]<br />
Jensen: [4s][4c]</p>
<p>Both players had flopped massively in the limped pot and Jensen is now up to 1,620,000 taking an 800,000 chunk out of Trickett. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.34pm: Donk lead works</b><br />
Sam Trickett just took down a pot worth nearly 200,000 after leading for 100,000 on a [kc][qc][2s] flop. Toby Lewis started the action with a 68,000 raise from the hi-jack that both Trickett and Fredrick Jensen called from the blinds. Trickett took the initiative with his bet and that did the trick. -- MC</p>
<p><b>2.30pm: Pulling the trigger</b><br />
It was folded around to Martin Jacobson in the small blind, a perfect spot to push for his last 551,000. Jason Lee had a long look at his cards, but the more he looked the more he disliked them. He mucked.</p>
<p>Next hand it was folded around to Lee in the small blind. With 600,000 behind he might have fancied open shoving against Sam Trickett in the big blind. Alas, Lee looked down and saw [7s][2c], not quite good enough to go with. Trickett showed [qs][jc]. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.25pm: pm: Wet board, big hands, small pot</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened from the cut-off to 60,000 and was three-bet to 150,000 by Teddy Sheringham in the small blind. Trickett made the call. Both players checked the [8h][td][9h] flop. Then they checked the [ac] turn and finally they both quickly checked the [7s] river. Sheringham showed [kd][kh] and Trickett showed pocket queens. </p>
<p>The pot? Just 345,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>2.20pm: Lewis takes a bigger chunk this time</b><br />
Fredrick Jensen lost a bigger chunk to Toby Lewis on the very next hand. Jensen raised to 60,000 and once again the 20-year-old Brit three-bet. The amount was 175,000 and the Dane called to see a [kh][3d][2h] flop. Lewis continued with the aggression and led for 195,000. Jensen called before the [8s] turn and [qh] river were checked down. </p>
<p>Lewis tabled [qd][jc] for a rivered pair of queens. Jensen let out a gasp and showed [9c][9h] and said "Nice catch!" -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.15pm: Back to the three-bet</b><br />
Since Jensen and Jacobson doubled up there has been a little more depth at the table in terms of stacks, and that means less openings are all-in shoves. In turn that means the preflop three-bet is rearing its head more frequently. First Jacobson opened for 60,000 from the hi-jack and was three-bet by Jensen to 170,000 from the small blind. Jensen was then the one being forced to back down after min raising the button and getting attacked by Toby Lewis in the big blind with a three-bet to 175,000. -- RD </p>
<p><b>2.10pm: Passing chips around</b><br />
It's been a slow few minutes. Sam Trickett raised and took the blinds and antes. Then Teddy Sheringham did the same. Finally we saw a flop when Jason Lee made it 65,000 and Frederick Jensen called from the big blind. The flop was [5s][9c][kc] and Jensen check-folded to Lee's 75,000 bet. -- SY</p>
<p><b>2.07pm: Ask Teddy</b></p>
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<p><br />
<b>2.05pm: Thin value bet chance declined</b><br />
Sam Trickett brushed off doubling-up another opponent by raising the next two pots in a row. His first 60,000 raise took the blinds and antes but the next was called by recent nemesis Martin Jacobson. </p>
<p>The flop came [ad][3d][jc] and Jacobson check-called a 75,000 bet before both checked the [2c] turn. Jacobson checked the [2s] river and so did Trickett after a good deal of thought. Trickett tabled [ah][th] which bested the Swede's [ac][7s]. -- MC </p>
<p><b>2.01pm: Jacobson and Trickett all-in again</b><br />
Martin Jacobson and Sam Trickett are all-in again with the Swede moving in for 418,000 from the cut-off and Trickett taking him on from the small blind.</p>
<p>Jacobson: [js][ks]<br />
Trickett: [ad][3d]</p>
<p>The board ran out [2c][4s][tc][4c][jh] with Jacobson getting saved on the river. The Swede strode to the rail to celebrate with one of his supporters with a high-five. Jacobson is up to 860,000. -- RD</p>
<p><b>1.58pm: All-in! Call! Oh</b><br />
Martin Jacobson moved all-in from the button for 405,000 and Sam Trickett called from the big blind. Great excitement until the cards were turned over... [ad][6h] for Trickett, [ac][6s] for Jacobson. The board ran a rather uneventful [9s][10h][7h][qc][10d]. Nothing to see here. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.55pm: Treading carefully</b><br />
Sam Trickett raised under the gun to 60,000 and only Toby Lewis called from the button. Both checked the [8h][ac][qc] flop, and Trickett check-folded when Lewis made it 80,000 on the [6s] turn. -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.50pm: That pesky monkey remains</b><br />
There will be no double EPT champion crowned here in Vilamoura as Rob Hollink has been eliminated in 7th place for €55,872. The action folded around to him in the cut-off and he moved all-in for 150,000 and was called by Teddy Sheringham in the SB. Showdown:</p>
<p>Hollink: [ts][8s]<br />
Sheringham: [ah][jh]</p>
<p>The board ran [3d][kh][ad][8c][7s]. The Dutchman got the generous round of applause he deserved and exited stage left. -- MC</p>
<h2>LEVEL UP: BLINDS 15,000-30,000, ANTE 3,000</b></h2><br>
<p><b>1.45pm: Back from the break</b><br />
Play re-starts after the break.</p>
<p><b>1.38pm: Chips</b><br />
Here is the current state of play:<br />
Teddy Sheringham - 1,900,000<br />
Toby Lewis - 4,000,000<br />
Martin Jacobson - 445,000<br />
Jason Lee - 908,000<br />
Sam Trickett - 3,300,000<br />
Rob Hollink - 175,000<br />
Fredrick Jensen - 1,360,000</p>
<p><b>1.36pm: Level up</b><br />
That elimination also marked the end of level 23. We're on a 15-minute break for level 24, when blinds will be 15,000-30,000 (3,000 ante). -- SY</p>
<p><b>1.35pm: Sergio Coutinho, eliminated in eighth place for €37,248</b><br />
After a level spent calling all-ins Sam Trickett just eliminated the first player of the day. Sergio Coutinho open-shoved for around 160,000 on the button and Trickett called in the small blind. [8h][6s] for Coutinho against the [ah][8d] of Trickett.</p>
<p>The two players shook hands and waited for the board. It ran [5d][9d][qs][5s][qd]. Coutinho had needed a six or seven after the flop but that was as close as he came to doubling up. Instead he's the first to go. -- SB</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ept_vilamoura_final_table.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><center><i>Sam Trickett</center></i><p></p>
<p><b>1.30pm: A stack to play back</b><br />
Two double-ups for Fredrick Jensen means he now has a stack to play back at the big boys - as Toby Lewis just found out. The Dane raised to 50,000 from the hijack to face a button three-bet to 135,000 from Lewis. Fredrick wasn't having any of it, though, and made it 295,000 to go, total. Lewis pulled a face and mucked his hand. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.20pm: No reply</b><br />
A series of hands with no real outcome. Sam Trickett moved all-in from the small blind, much to the irritation of Rob Hollink who had no option but to fold. Then Teddy Sheringham opened for two successive hands with no takers, before Hollink managed to get his chips into the middle, only to find no takers. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.15pm: Straight back on the horse</b><br />
Sam Trickett got straight back into the action after losing that big pot just before. He called a 53,000 button raise from Jason Lee while sat in the BB. The flop came [qs][qh][ac] and Trickett led for 65,000. Call. There was no slowing the Brit down on the [kh] turn as he led for 165,000. Lee went into the tank and ended up folding with a look of pain across his face. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1.10pm: Jensen has just the Trickett</b><br />
Sam Trickett opened for 50,000 in early position and Frederick Jensen made it 90,000 more. With the action back on Trickett he announced all-in which Jensen called in a flash, showing [qc][qd] while Trickett could only muster [jc][jd]. </p>
<p>The board ran [6d][ad][9c][5d][qs] for Jensen's second double up, both of them being through Trickett. Jensen up to 1,100,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>1.07pm: Video time</b><br />
Brit Toby Lewis introduces the final table...</p>
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<p><b>1.05pm: Stealing his moves</b><br />
Rob Hollink has the cut of a frustrated man at the moment. His stack has shrunk to 155,000 and he can't find a spot to move all-in because Sam Trickett keeps min-raising in front of him. He therefore he has to find a genuine hand if it's to be three-bet shove as he knows he will be called. Just as we were about to publish this the action folded to Hollink and he moved all-in and managed to take the blinds and antes to increase his stack by around 30%. -- MC</p>
<p><b>1pm: 'We love you, Toby!'</b><br />
Toby Lewis has several railers here including Team PokerStars Pro JP Kelly, <a href="http://www.ukipt.com/leaderboard/">UKIPT leaderboard</a> challenger Chris Brammer and WSOP bracelet winner James Dempsey. It was the latter that just shouted out: "We love you, Toby." The Brits, somewhat unsurprisingly, already have beers in their hands and the railing is likely to get louder - and more liquid - as the day goes by. -- RD </p>
<p><b>12.56pm: Coutinho down</b><br />
Toby Lewis opened for 53,000 in the cut off which Sergio Coutinho called from the big blind. On the flop of [9d][7h][4d] Coutinho checked to Lewis who bet 60,000. Coutinho called that for a [kd] turn, again checking and then calling Lewis's bet of 135,000. On the [kc] river Coutinho checked again. Lewis bet 280,000 this time which Coutinho called, grimacing as he turned over [8d][qd] for a flush when seeing Lewis's [9c][9h] full house. Coutinho down to 290,000. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.53pm: Lee less blind</b><br />
Jason Lee took small pot off Martin Jacobson in the blinds. The Swede raised to 62,000 from the SB and the American called from the BB. The flop came [7h][9h][tc] and Jacobson check-folded to a 55,000 bet from Lee. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.50pm: Jacobson squeezes all-in</b><br />
Sam Trickett started this hand with a min raise to 48,000 from middle position. Frederick Jensen called in the cut-off before the action folded round to Martin Jacobson in the big blind who moved all-in for over 500,000. Both players passed. Jensen has dropped 100,000 in the last couple of hands. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.48pm: Sheringham strikes from the small blind</b><br />
Frederick Jensen opened the button for 48,000 and Teddy Sheringham three-bet to 160,000 from the small blind. Lewis looked like he was considering a move but decided against it. Jensen passed and Sheringam adds close to 100,000 to his stack. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.44pm: Lewis wins utg</b><br />
It's as simple as that. Toby Lewis opened the action under the gun and took the blinds with Teddy Sheringham passing his big blind. -- RD</p>
<p><b>12.38pm: First of the all-ins</b><br />
The first all-in to be called just featured Frederick Jensen doubling through Sam Trickett. Trickett opened from the button for 48,000 and Jensen moved all-in for a little more than 300,000. Trickett called showing [ac][8c] to Jensen's [kc][7c]. </p>
<p>The board ran [5c][7d][6h][5h][7h], the flop putting Jensen into the lead and the river keeping him there. He's up to nearly 700,000 while Trickett slips to the 3 million mark. -- SB</p>
<p><b>12.32pm: Trickett soars into lead</b><br />
To be honest Sam Trickett sort of hopped into the lead he's been craving to claim back after the last hand of yesterday's play. The first hand of the day he raised to 48,000 from early position and was only called by Toby Lewis on the button to see the [qs][2h][ah] flop. Check-check. The turn came [4s] and Trickett led for 58,000 which was good for the pot as Lewis folded. -- MC </p>
<p><b>12.28pm: Play begins</b><br />
The EPT Vilamoura final table is under way. We're just hours away from someone winning €467,835. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is not to be sneezed at. Here are your eight finalists... -- SY</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept_vilamoura_final_table_players.JPG" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><p></p>
<p><b>12.20pm: Nearly ready</b><br />
The final eight players are now in their seats. Thomas Kremser is making the introductions, we'll be off in around five minutes. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.15pm: What a relief</b><br />
Followers of PokerStars Blog this week will know we've had a spectacular run of fortune, making more than $12million from kindly ladies in Africa wanting help with their deceased fathers' fortunes, plus a cheeky win on an Australian state lottery (which we never entered, but we're keeping quiet about that).</p>
<p>Imagine our horror, therefore, to receive an email at blog@pokerstars.com from FBI Headquarters in Washington. We instantly feared the worst - perhaps the FBI was to tell us we had been conned and our bank accounts were being fleeced.</p>
<p>But no. It turns out this was <i>another</i> piece of good news. Dr Chad L. Fulgham was writing from the FBI to tell us his department had discovered we were owed $6million from China. We're not sure how, but we're certainly not questioning it, although his yahoo.cn email address is a worry (shouldn't it be fbi.com or something?). Nonetheless, we're sending him the $150 he needs to get the ball rolling.</p>
<p>So, we're now up to $18million this week. Quite impressive, we think you'll agree. -- SY</p>
<p><b>12.10pm: Delayed start</b><br />
The players are here but not yet ready to play. Chips are on the table but the usual preliminaries are taking a few minutes. Play should be under way soonish. When play does start the blinds will be 12,000-24,000 with a 2,000 ante. -- SB</p>
<p><br />
Welcome back for the final table of EPT Vilamoura, the culmination of five days of play that began with a field of 384. Those players are just a memory now as the last eight emerge to fight it out for a first prize of €467,835. </p>
<p>The leader coming into the final is Englishman Toby Lewis, who last night snatched the chip lead from countryman Sam Trickett at the bell, ahead by just 4,000. Behind them is soccer legend Teddy Sheringham, making the top three an all English affair that we couldn't believe either. The table will line up like this:</p>
<p>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000<br />
Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000<br />
Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000<br />
Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000<br />
Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000<br />
Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000<br />
Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips<br />
Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</p>
<p>Lewis seems confident, or at least he's looking forward to the final. His Facebook status this morning reads: "BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM! 1/8 into the FINAL! Lets f do this 480k euros yes." I think that says it all.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/casino_vilamoura_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Casino Vilamoura</i></center><br>
<p>And so to it. The players are arriving, well kind of. Martin Jacobson was just seen still eating breakfast back at the hotel and to be honest I can't see any of the others. But we're assured they're on their way, undergoing the rigours of a pre-match photo shoot with Neil Stoddart before taking their seats in Casino Vilamoura's tournament coliseum. </p>
<p>In honour of this momentous occasion the blog team are each decked out in ceremonial battle dress today, complete with staff blazers and ties, decorative sash, plus fours, tricorne hats and campaign medals. All except Rick Dacey, who follows us all making horse noises with two coconut shells. As leader Simon Young is entitled to carry a side arm.</p>
<p>Live coverage will begin shortly. You can find regularly updated chip counts throughout the day on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/chipcount.html">chip count page</a>, while all the results will be posted on the <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-vilamoura-7-prizewinners-and-payouts.html">prize winners page</a> as we inch nearer to a winner. Fancy starting from the beginning? Then all news from Vilamoura is posted at <a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/tournaments/ept/season-7/vilamoura-1/">this</a> convenient link.</p>
<p><em><strong>PokerStars Blog reporting team at EPT Vilamoura (in order of Octopus eaten this week):</strong> Rick Dacey (1), Stephen Bartley (1), Marc Convey (1 tentacle) and Simon Young (not on your life). Photos by Neil Stoddart.</em></p>"
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string(8665) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>The final eight players in the European Poker Tour event in Vilamoura will play down to a winner today. From a field of 384 the last eight include three Englishman, a former International soccer star, a former EPT winner, a Dane, a Swede, an American and a home town hero. They're playing for a €467,835 first prize. Here's how they'll line up. </p>
<p><b>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham is an England soccer legend who scored over 350 goals in a 23-year career that included spells at Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. His achievements in the game include winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. He also played for England 51 times, scored 11 goals and was part of two World Cup squads. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Since turning to poker in recent years, he has some impressive results including his biggest cash - 14th place in last year's WSOP-E Main Event for £40,481. That result was followed a few weeks later with 49th place at EPT London for £ 11,600 and he came 103rd at the EPT Grand Final last season for €20,000. Teddy started Day 4 having already played six holes of golf in the EPT Vilamoura Fairways & Felts Challenge alongside Daniel Negreanu and Marcin Horecki.</p>
<p><b>Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000</b><br />
PokerStars player Toby Lewis, 20, was already thriving when he won a big pot on Day 4 against Swedish PokerStars qualifier (and former chip leader) Martin Jacobson. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Toby Lewis</i></center><br>
<p>Lewis, who hails from Southampton but now lives in London, has played several EPTs and cashed in Prague and the Grand Final last season. He also came 7th at the PokerStars IPT event in Venice for €25,000 and 12th at the recent PokerStars Russian Poker Series event in Riga for €5,250.</p>
<p><b>Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000</b><br />
PokerStars qualifier Martin Jacobson had a rough Day 4, losing several flips which massively dented his stack, but the talented pro has still managed to make the final table. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>He already has a string of great results to his name including third place at EPT Budapest for €197,904, runner-up at WPT Venice last year for €238,840 and a fourth place finish in the World Series $1,500 side event this summer for $183,345. His live tournament winnings are already close to $1 million.</p>
<p><b>Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000</b><br />
Jason doesn't like long-haul flights much so he has only played one EPT before - Copenhagen in Season 5 (and he didn't cash). </p>
<p>He has scored a couple of minor cashes in the live arena with a $2,025 finish in a $1k event at this year's WSOP and another $2,099 in another Vegas tournament in July of this year, but he's mainly an online pro, playing as "JaspudUF". He's cashed for $428,025 in PokerStars tournaments and has made several other five-figure scores. His biggest online win was<br />
$42,000. According to Lee's twitter account, he "loves working out, kickboxing and making people laugh". He's being railed in Vilamoura by his friends Norwegian pro Annette Obrestad and American Scott Montgomery.</p>
<p><b>Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000</b><br />
Coutinho has played two EPTs so far - San Remo and Vilamoura last season - but this is his first EPT cash. He was training in physical education until 2005 and turned pro as a poker player around three years ago. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sergio Coutinho</i></center><br>
<p>This is his best live result but he has made the final of several major online tournaments. He said: "I've been doing well online so I thought eventually I had to make a final table in a live event as well." He has come second and third in major online events as well as coming second in the PokerStars Sunday Second Chance tournament. Last December, he came 11th here in Vilamoura in the €1,000 PokerStars Solverde Poker Season main event.</p>
<p><b>Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000</b><br />
British pro Sam Trickett soared into the lead at EPT Vilamoura when he won a massive pot to knock out Italian Marco Leonzio. That made him the first player to breach the 2,000,000 chip mark. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett has been playing poker, both live and online, for around six years. This is his third EPT, but first cash (he has played the last two EPT London events). His best live result to date was runner-up to Jason DeWitt in the WSOP $5,000 NLHE event this summer for over $500k but he has had several other big scores including fourth place in the 2008 WSOP $5k NLHE event and winning the Luton GUKPT in 2008.</p>
<p><b>Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips</b><br />
Father-of-three Hollink was the first ever EPT Grand Final champion back in Season 1 in 2005. The veteran Dutch pro has played numerous EPTs since but has never mirrored that early success. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="rob_hollink_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rob_hollink_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Rob Hollink</i></center><br>
<p>Before reaching Vilamoura this year, he wrote on his blog that he was likely to bust in the first few days so he would have plenty of time to play golf. How wrong he was. His last EPT cash was San Remo in Season 4. He also became the first ever Dutch WSOP bracelet winner when he won the $10,000 Limit Hold'Em World Championships in 2008 for almost $500,000. He is currently the final table short stack but still in with a chance of being the first ever double EPT champion.</p>
<p><b>Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</b><br />
Also known as Frederik Brink Jensen, this young Danish pro has had a stunning 2010 so far. It's actually the first year he has ever cashed in a major live tournament but he started spectacularly, finishing second at the Aussie Millions for over $1 million. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="fred_jensen_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/fred_jensen_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Frederick Jensen</i></center><br>
<p>In April he had his first ever EPT cash (78th at San Remo for € 13,000) and then two weeks later came third in the €5,000 NLHE side event at the EPT Grand Final for €102,900. His best online result was winning the PokerStars Sunday Million in August 2008 for $205,000. He also came 25th in the SCOOP Main Event this spring.</p>"
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string(8665) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span>The final eight players in the European Poker Tour event in Vilamoura will play down to a winner today. From a field of 384 the last eight include three Englishman, a former International soccer star, a former EPT winner, a Dane, a Swede, an American and a home town hero. They're playing for a €467,835 first prize. Here's how they'll line up. </p>
<p><b>Seat 1: Teddy Sheringham, 44, UK, Friend of PokerStars - 1,783,000</b><br />
Teddy Sheringham is an England soccer legend who scored over 350 goals in a 23-year career that included spells at Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. His achievements in the game include winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. He also played for England 51 times, scored 11 goals and was part of two World Cup squads. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/teddy_sheringham_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Teddy Sheringham</i></center><br>
<p>Since turning to poker in recent years, he has some impressive results including his biggest cash - 14th place in last year's WSOP-E Main Event for £40,481. That result was followed a few weeks later with 49th place at EPT London for £ 11,600 and he came 103rd at the EPT Grand Final last season for €20,000. Teddy started Day 4 having already played six holes of golf in the EPT Vilamoura Fairways & Felts Challenge alongside Daniel Negreanu and Marcin Horecki.</p>
<p><b>Seat 2: Toby Lewis, 20, UK, PokerStars player - 3,322,000</b><br />
PokerStars player Toby Lewis, 20, was already thriving when he won a big pot on Day 4 against Swedish PokerStars qualifier (and former chip leader) Martin Jacobson. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Toby Lewis</i></center><br>
<p>Lewis, who hails from Southampton but now lives in London, has played several EPTs and cashed in Prague and the Grand Final last season. He also came 7th at the PokerStars IPT event in Venice for €25,000 and 12th at the recent PokerStars Russian Poker Series event in Riga for €5,250.</p>
<p><b>Seat 3: Martin Jacobson, Sweden, PokerStars qualifier - 441,000</b><br />
PokerStars qualifier Martin Jacobson had a rough Day 4, losing several flips which massively dented his stack, but the talented pro has still managed to make the final table. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/martin_jacobson_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Martin Jacobson</i></center><br>
<p>He already has a string of great results to his name including third place at EPT Budapest for €197,904, runner-up at WPT Venice last year for €238,840 and a fourth place finish in the World Series $1,500 side event this summer for $183,345. His live tournament winnings are already close to $1 million.</p>
<p><b>Seat 4: Jason "JaspudUF" Lee, 25, Florida, USA PokerStars qualifier - 1,167,000</b><br />
Jason doesn't like long-haul flights much so he has only played one EPT before - Copenhagen in Season 5 (and he didn't cash). </p>
<p>He has scored a couple of minor cashes in the live arena with a $2,025 finish in a $1k event at this year's WSOP and another $2,099 in another Vegas tournament in July of this year, but he's mainly an online pro, playing as "JaspudUF". He's cashed for $428,025 in PokerStars tournaments and has made several other five-figure scores. His biggest online win was<br />
$42,000. According to Lee's twitter account, he "loves working out, kickboxing and making people laugh". He's being railed in Vilamoura by his friends Norwegian pro Annette Obrestad and American Scott Montgomery.</p>
<p><b>Seat 5: Sergio Coutinho, 30, Oporto, Portugal - 872,000</b><br />
Coutinho has played two EPTs so far - San Remo and Vilamoura last season - but this is his first EPT cash. He was training in physical education until 2005 and turned pro as a poker player around three years ago. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sergio_coutinho_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sergio Coutinho</i></center><br>
<p>This is his best live result but he has made the final of several major online tournaments. He said: "I've been doing well online so I thought eventually I had to make a final table in a live event as well." He has come second and third in major online events as well as coming second in the PokerStars Sunday Second Chance tournament. Last December, he came 11th here in Vilamoura in the €1,000 PokerStars Solverde Poker Season main event.</p>
<p><b>Seat 6: Sam Trickett, 24, Nottingham, UK - 3,318,000</b><br />
British pro Sam Trickett soared into the lead at EPT Vilamoura when he won a massive pot to knock out Italian Marco Leonzio. That made him the first player to breach the 2,000,000 chip mark. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>Trickett has been playing poker, both live and online, for around six years. This is his third EPT, but first cash (he has played the last two EPT London events). His best live result to date was runner-up to Jason DeWitt in the WSOP $5,000 NLHE event this summer for over $500k but he has had several other big scores including fourth place in the 2008 WSOP $5k NLHE event and winning the Luton GUKPT in 2008.</p>
<p><b>Seat 7: Rob Hollink, 48, Groningen , Netherlands - 259,000 chips</b><br />
Father-of-three Hollink was the first ever EPT Grand Final champion back in Season 1 in 2005. The veteran Dutch pro has played numerous EPTs since but has never mirrored that early success. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="rob_hollink_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/rob_hollink_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Rob Hollink</i></center><br>
<p>Before reaching Vilamoura this year, he wrote on his blog that he was likely to bust in the first few days so he would have plenty of time to play golf. How wrong he was. His last EPT cash was San Remo in Season 4. He also became the first ever Dutch WSOP bracelet winner when he won the $10,000 Limit Hold'Em World Championships in 2008 for almost $500,000. He is currently the final table short stack but still in with a chance of being the first ever double EPT champion.</p>
<p><b>Seat 8: Frederik Jensen, 28, Denmark, PokerStars player - 375,000</b><br />
Also known as Frederik Brink Jensen, this young Danish pro has had a stunning 2010 so far. It's actually the first year he has ever cashed in a major live tournament but he started spectacularly, finishing second at the Aussie Millions for over $1 million. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="fred_jensen_ft.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/fred_jensen_ft.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Frederick Jensen</i></center><br>
<p>In April he had his first ever EPT cash (78th at San Remo for € 13,000) and then two weeks later came third in the €5,000 NLHE side event at the EPT Grand Final for €102,900. His best online result was winning the PokerStars Sunday Million in August 2008 for $205,000. He also came 25th in the SCOOP Main Event this spring.</p>"
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string(4820) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg"><img alt="_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2009/09/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart-thumb-135x202-77857.jpg" width="135" height="202" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Thierry van den Berg</b><br />
When I think about the PokerStars World Championships of Online Poker, I think about the biggest online tournaments of the year and life-changing prize money. Every player can, with a bit of luck, win a large amount of money and the WCOOP will change the life of many people.</p>
<p>For the pro's it's different. Players like me invest large amounts in the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP</a> and we have to make at least one final table to break even. Amateurs, on the other hand, are extremely happy when they make a final table because the money is so huge.</p>
<p>That's the beauty of the WCOOP; pros and amateurs competing together to win the biggest prizes in online poker. The first prize is often more than $100,000 and sometimes more than a $250,000. On the other hand, WCOOP one of toughest series of the year because the fields are so big. More often than not you have no idea who you are playing against but when you get deeper in a tournament the edge of the pros is pretty big. And that's because of our preparations.</p>
<p>WCOOP tournaments will run easily for more than 12 hours and every players needs to be focused the whole time. Everybody gets tired after a 12-hour session and it's just how you handle the pressure while you're exhausted. For amateurs it's tougher to play sessions that long because they simply aren't used to the amount of pressure and the huge prizes. Also, they are more tired than us pros and that's where we have the biggest edge in the WCOOP. That's also one of the reasons that you see a lot of pros at the final tables.</p>
<p>I always try to start fresh at a big tournament. Obviously my goal is to win a tournament and I think you have more chance to win a big tournament when you live a healthy lifestyle. Before I played in the World Series of Poker I already changed my lifestyle. I work out regularly and I make sure I don't eat too much fast food or other food that contains too much fat. I also eat a lot of vegetables. Besides food it's also important to get enough sleep during a tournament series.</p>
<p>I stayed at Palms Place for the last two years during the WSOP and it's perfect for poker players like me. You can get enough rest and you are not living in a casino the whole day. It helps you to focus more on your game and my healthy lifestyle is one of the reasons I have cashed three times in a row in the WSOP Main Event.</p>
<p>For the WCOOP I also try to change my rhythm a little bit. I sleep in the morning or afternoon and I play at night because the WCOOP is mostly during the night. With this rhythm I narrow the edge on the American players who have a big advantage because of the better time zone.</p>
<p>Personally I can't wait 'till the WCOOP starts. I have a couple of nice cashes in the NLHE tournaments and my biggest result is a 2nd place in the $320 single rebuy WCOOP 2nd chance in 2008. I really want to break my personal record and I am ready to put a win on my resume. I still don't have a bracelet around my arm and after a WSOP bracelet, the WCOOP bracelet is the goal of every poker player.</p>
<p>The best tournaments in my eyes are the two-day tournaments. You start with a lot of the chips and the blind structure is so good that it will give us lots of play during the whole tournament. I always feel good in these deepstack tournaments and I am really looking forward to playing in those events. During SCOOP I made Day 2 of the $2,100 NLHE event but unfortunately I came short in 36th place.</p>
<p>Last but not least I want to recommend the satellites to the WCOOP main events. A satellite is ideal because most of the time you can enter a Main Event for less money than the regular buy-in. I played a lot of satellites for bigger events in the past and the money you save with satellites is the first money you win. Satellites are running now and you can find them in the PokerStars Lobby under Events >>WCOOP, or by <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">visiting the official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p>Good luck, and I hope to see you at the tables.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(4820) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg"><img alt="_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/assets_c/2009/09/_MG_9246_EPT6Bar_Neil_Stoddart-thumb-135x202-77857.jpg" width="135" height="202" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></a></span><b>by Thierry van den Berg</b><br />
When I think about the PokerStars World Championships of Online Poker, I think about the biggest online tournaments of the year and life-changing prize money. Every player can, with a bit of luck, win a large amount of money and the WCOOP will change the life of many people.</p>
<p>For the pro's it's different. Players like me invest large amounts in the <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">WCOOP</a> and we have to make at least one final table to break even. Amateurs, on the other hand, are extremely happy when they make a final table because the money is so huge.</p>
<p>That's the beauty of the WCOOP; pros and amateurs competing together to win the biggest prizes in online poker. The first prize is often more than $100,000 and sometimes more than a $250,000. On the other hand, WCOOP one of toughest series of the year because the fields are so big. More often than not you have no idea who you are playing against but when you get deeper in a tournament the edge of the pros is pretty big. And that's because of our preparations.</p>
<p>WCOOP tournaments will run easily for more than 12 hours and every players needs to be focused the whole time. Everybody gets tired after a 12-hour session and it's just how you handle the pressure while you're exhausted. For amateurs it's tougher to play sessions that long because they simply aren't used to the amount of pressure and the huge prizes. Also, they are more tired than us pros and that's where we have the biggest edge in the WCOOP. That's also one of the reasons that you see a lot of pros at the final tables.</p>
<p>I always try to start fresh at a big tournament. Obviously my goal is to win a tournament and I think you have more chance to win a big tournament when you live a healthy lifestyle. Before I played in the World Series of Poker I already changed my lifestyle. I work out regularly and I make sure I don't eat too much fast food or other food that contains too much fat. I also eat a lot of vegetables. Besides food it's also important to get enough sleep during a tournament series.</p>
<p>I stayed at Palms Place for the last two years during the WSOP and it's perfect for poker players like me. You can get enough rest and you are not living in a casino the whole day. It helps you to focus more on your game and my healthy lifestyle is one of the reasons I have cashed three times in a row in the WSOP Main Event.</p>
<p>For the WCOOP I also try to change my rhythm a little bit. I sleep in the morning or afternoon and I play at night because the WCOOP is mostly during the night. With this rhythm I narrow the edge on the American players who have a big advantage because of the better time zone.</p>
<p>Personally I can't wait 'till the WCOOP starts. I have a couple of nice cashes in the NLHE tournaments and my biggest result is a 2nd place in the $320 single rebuy WCOOP 2nd chance in 2008. I really want to break my personal record and I am ready to put a win on my resume. I still don't have a bracelet around my arm and after a WSOP bracelet, the WCOOP bracelet is the goal of every poker player.</p>
<p>The best tournaments in my eyes are the two-day tournaments. You start with a lot of the chips and the blind structure is so good that it will give us lots of play during the whole tournament. I always feel good in these deepstack tournaments and I am really looking forward to playing in those events. During SCOOP I made Day 2 of the $2,100 NLHE event but unfortunately I came short in 36th place.</p>
<p>Last but not least I want to recommend the satellites to the WCOOP main events. A satellite is ideal because most of the time you can enter a Main Event for less money than the regular buy-in. I played a lot of satellites for bigger events in the past and the money you save with satellites is the first money you win. Satellites are running now and you can find them in the PokerStars Lobby under Events >>WCOOP, or by <a href="http://www.wcoop.com">visiting the official WCOOP site</a>.</p>
<p>Good luck, and I hope to see you at the tables.</p>
<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/thierry_van_den_berg_1000nlhe.jpg" width="450" height="300" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span></p>"
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string(8603) "<p><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="ept-thumb-promo.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/ept-thumb-promo.jpg" width="130" height="100" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" /></span></p>
<p>The English have long been familiar with the Algarve. Travelling here on low-cost budget flights, they ignore the rough landing for a taste of local culture, normally wrapped in a Union Jack, and made crisp by sunshine. A week later, pink on one side, they return to Blighty with nice memories, a bottle of discount Port and a sombrero. For some it's the perfect foreign trip.</p>
<p>Englishman Toby Lewis may not have the sombrero, or the sunburn for that matter, but he looks likely to be leaving Portugal with the happy memories. He leads the field into the final table tomorrow by just two antes, bagging up 3,322,000 this afternoon, the spoils of a whirlwind day that thinned the field from 24 to eight in a little less than five hours. </p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="toby_lewis_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/toby_lewis_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Toby Lewis</i></center><br>
<p>His wingman on that trip was another Englishman, Sam Trickett. Trickett, who battled for or held the lead for most of the day, amassed his own souvenirs, 3,318,000 of them, after a display which could be summed up using the same words to describe Lewis's performance - brutal, relentless and effective.</p>
<center><span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><img alt="sam_trickett_d4end.jpg" src="http://www.pokerstarsblog.com/sam_trickett_d4end.jpg" width="300" height="450" class="mt-image-center" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin: 0 auto 20px;" /></span><br>
<i>Sam Trickett</i></center><br>
<p>The setting was perfect for their photo finish. Surrounded by cautious short stacks the pair spent the afternoon fleecing and flourishing, pulling in chips from opponents ill-equipped to take them on when the cards wouldn't work in their favour. </p>
<p>But it was not all about]]></plaintext></div></div>