ABOLINS IS NEW 'POKER FOR A YEAR' CHAMP

11 January 2008

888.com competition ends in Aussie victory for UK player


Following a total of six series, 12 major freerolls and over 50 League events, Pacific Poker's "Poker Pro For a Year League" came to a dramatic conclusion this week at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia as Luke Abolins from Britain truimphed over nine other finalists at the final table.

Starting at 1 pm local time, it took almost six hours of intense and skilful poker playing before a packed audience of spectators present for the Aussie Millions competition being held at the casino before Abolins claimed his prize.

Opposing the British player were Italian ace Massimo Di Marco, Martin Page, Robert Ritchie, Robert Price, Ilja Smid, Kairit Leibold, Andrew Ritchie and Carlo Carione.

By 6pm the heads up challenge between Abolins and Carlo Carione had started, with a mere 7 000 chips the difference between leader Abolin's chipstack and that of his opponent. The heads up was brief but intense, culminating in Abolins taking the title and the rewards that go with it - buy-ins to four major tournaments in 2008, including flights, accommodation and expenses. The major tournaments are expected to include the Aussie Millions, World Series, 888 UK Poker Open (London) and the 888 Canadian Heads-up Challenge.

For finishing second, Carione won an entry package to the 2008 Aussie Millions Main Event, which begins January 14 at the Crown Casino, including flights, accommodation and expenses.

Players shared over $150 000 in prizes...and the ten finalists had the added adventure of being flown to Melbourne to compete at the final table of the essentially online competition.

"We were excited to send the PokerProForAYear finalists to Australia to battle it out for the Champion. It was a great series and it was good to see that the final table lived up to the excitement," Gareth Edwards from 888.com said. "Luke was a worthy winner and we look forward to him representing 888.com at events around the world this year."

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa