Must try harder?

Author: Simon Dexter

Littlewoods Poker pro Michael Greco joined a surprisingly small band of British and Irish players who returned home from Vegas clutching WSOP* cheques. Michael cashed early in the series but was unable to repeat this success, although he was not alone. There were two sizeable cashes for home players, but only one bracelet, proving just how difficult it is to win on American soil.

Marty Smith from Northern Ireland was the only British bracelet winner; he collected almost 0k in the k Pot Limit Omaha Championships after finishing first in an elite field of 381. Elsewhere, James Akenhead managed an excellent second place in a .5k NL Hold ’Em event which ensured he returned home laden with more than 0k (assuming he didn’t blow a goodly proportion of it whilst in Vegas), but apart from this pair, British returns were disappointing.

The highest-placed main event UK finisher was Keith Hawkins, who came 75th and won k as a result, while James McManus ended as the leading Irishman, clinching 71st spot, thus trousering ,500.

“This is the toughest poker series you’ll ever play in,” said Michael Greco afterwards. “I think the British and Irish guys are continuing to make progress every year, but so do our opponents! What’s the answer? Well, I think we’ve all got to keep practicing and build our mental toughness ahead of next year’s event.”

*World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah’s License Company, LLC (”Harrah’s”). Harrah’s does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with Littlewoods Gaming or it’s products, services, promotions or tournaments.

Tags: Bracelet, British, WSOP

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 am and is filed under News & Promotions Blog.